Search this site

Devolution and LGR Zone 13:00–13:50 The Importance of Place Growth and Leadership Within the Context of LGR Rewiring the State Ian Bancroft, Solace Associate Read More Previous The Importance of Place Growth and Leadership Within the Context of LGR with Ian Bancroft, Solace Associate. This 20-minute session will discuss the importance of place growth and leadership within the context of local government reorganisation, and how you can lead the development of place identity and growth in a new authority and deliver place legacy in an old authority. It covers: The context of LGR and why place is as important as the mechanisms for LGR Learning from place growth and leadership in the UK and US Takeaways and tips to help you grow place for the benefit of the communities you serve in the context of LGR How to develop capacity and skills in place growth and leadership With time for Q&A followed by a drop-in surgery. Next

< Back Previous Exhibitor, Sponsor Migration Support https://www.migrationyorkshire.org.uk/ Stand 11 Migration Support exists to provide expertise, capacity and support for organisations from all sectors across the UK. We can deliver better understanding and outcomes of migration through training, data analysis, research, consultancy and more. Next

Graeme McDonaldManaging Director < Speakers < Previous Next > Graeme McDonald Managing Director Solace and Solace In Business Graeme McDonald is Managing Director of Solace and Solace In Business and is responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of the organisation. Prior to joining Solace Graeme has spent over fifteen years working in local government. He has worked for London Borough, Metropolitan and District councils; his final role was as the Director of Policy and Performance at the London Borough of Ealing. He also has experience in roles within social care, housing and environmental services, as well… Show More

Previous Next Pippa Milne Chief Executive, Argyll and Bute Council, and Solace Scotland Branch Chair Pippa Milne has served as Chief Executive of Argyll and Bute Council since January 2020, following her role as Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure. With over 30 years of experience in local government across the UK, Pippa brings extensive expertise and a deep commitment to delivering the council’s vision: that Argyll and Bute is a place where people choose to live, learn, work, and do business. As Chief Executive, Pippa leads an organisation of around 4,000 dedicated employees, providing a diverse range of public services across one of Scotland’s most beautiful and varied regions. Her focus is on partnership working to achieve the best possible outcomes for communities, and she is passionate about promoting the many opportunities Argyll and Bute offers. Beyond her role in the council, Pippa is Chair of Solace Scotland and portfolio lead for Leadership and Development, playing a key role in shaping the future of local government leadership. She sits on the Chief Executives Working Group on Transformation and the PSR Board, facilitates the Leadership Practitioner Forum, and hosts the Solace Springboard Programme, supporting the next generation of public service leaders. Pippa is a strong advocate for values-based, ambitious, and future-focused leadership. Her work reflects a commitment to organisational culture, collaborative transformation, and unlocking potential for communities and public services alike. 10:00–11:00 Main Stage Beyond Barriers: Authentic Women’s Leadership in Local Government Panel Session View Session What does it take to lead when barriers to leadership are not experienced equally? Beyond Barriers explores the challenges women and people from other minoritised communities face in senior local government leadership, including discrimination, exclusion and workplace cultures. Building on previous research, this engaging, honest conversation will examine why inequalities persist, while celebrating leaders and organisations driving positive change. Speakers will share experiences, challenge assumptions and explore practical ways to create more inclusive leadership cultures.

Networking 20:00–00:00 Charity Dinner Rum Warehouse Previous Proudly supporting Crisis and St Augustine's Charity Dinner sponsored by Xylo AI Dinner wine kindly sponsored by Zellis Next

< Back Previous Business Partner, Exhibitor, Breakout, Sponsor IESE http://www.iese.org.uk Stand 19 IESE is a not-for-profit organisation owned by local authorities, helping public services improve through innovation, research, events, awards and partnerships. We connect leaders, share best practice and support transformation. Our solutions, including CareCubed and the Cyber Centre of Excellence, enable better decisions, stronger resilience, fairer commissioning and improved community outcomes. Next

Previous Next Emma Foy Industry Lead for Local Government, TechnologyOne Emma Foy is the Industry Lead for Local Government at TechnologyOne, where she champions digital transformation across councils and public sector organisations. She brings deep expertise in modernising services and helping local authorities unlock the power of connected, cloud‑based technology. With a background of over ten years of being Section 151 in various local authorities, she now works closely with leaders to streamline operations and drive meaningful community outcomes. Emma is known for her collaborative approach, her commitment to innovation, and her passion for helping local government build more resilient, efficient, and future‑ready services. 15:30–16:30 North West Breakout: Connected Devolution: Implications for Local Government Leadership Breakout View Session Speakers: Emma Foy , Industry Lead for Local Government, TechnologyOne Jonathan Werran , Chief Executive, Localis

Break 09:15–10:30 Registration | All Delegates Galleria Previous Next

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries 14:15–14:55 Sub Plenary 1.5 Million Homes: Ambition, Action, and Accountability Chair Jon Rouse CBE, Chief Executive, Stoke on Trent City Council and Solace Policy Lead for Housing, Planning and Infrastructure Speaker/s Joanna Key, Director General for Regeneration, Housing and Planning, MHCLG Local authorities are central to delivering the Government’s 1.5 million homes target, one of the most ambitious housing targets in a generation. This session explores how planning reform, local leadership, and community-focused development can turn national ambition into local impact.

Panel Session 10:00–11:00 Beyond Barriers: Authentic Women’s Leadership in Local Government Main Stage Kath O'Dwyer, Solace Group Board Chair Read More Alison McCullagh, Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and Solace Northern Ireland Branch Chair Read More Emma Palmer, Chief Executive, Powys County Council, and Solace Wales Branch Vice Chair Read More Pippa Milne, Chief Executive, Argyll and Bute Council, and Solace Scotland Branch Chair Read More Previous Speakers: Alison McCullagh , Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and Solace Northern Ireland Branch Chair Emma Palmer , Chief Executive, Powys County Council, and Solace Wales Branch Vice Chair Pippa Milne , Chief Executive, Argyll and Bute Council, and Solace Scotland Branch Chair Next

Previous Next Nikita Hunt Policy Officer, Test Valley Borough Council Nikita Hunt is a Policy Officer in the Strategy and Innovation Team at Test Valley Borough Council, bringing experience across social work, housing, homelessness, policy development, and public service transformation. Having begun her career in social work, Nikita developed expertise in safeguarding, assessments, and supporting individuals with complex needs before transitioning into local government housing. Nikita has since specialised in housing allocations, homelessness, and health and welfare assessments. Alongside her professional experience, Nikita draws on lived experience, which informs her approach to policy development and strengthens her commitment to creating inclusive and effective public services. Alongside her policy role, Nikita serves as Equity Lead for the Test Learn & Grow Programme and is a Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation Associate with the LCN Policy Network, contributing to national policy development and sector-wide discussions. Nikita is also a participant in the AMPLify Talent Cohort Programme, supporting their development as an emerging strategic leader within local government. Passionate about inclusion, innovation, and equity, Nikita is committed to developing evidence-informed policies and services that improve outcomes for people and communities. 09:10–09:20 Rewiring the State Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change and Equity: Beyond Rhetoric Showcase View Session Andre Small , Customer Service (CSAT and Complaints), Epping Forest District Council Nikita Hunt , Policy Officer, Strategy and Innovation Team, Test Valley Borough Council

Kim WrightChief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Kim Wright Chief Executive London Borough of Brent Kim has been Chief Executive of Brent Council since May 2023 and leads a workforce of 2500 people in a community of 340,000 residents. Before joining Brent, she was Chief Executive of Lewisham Council where she led the council’s response to the global pandemic. Kim has worked in Local Government for over 32 years and has spent 25 years working in London’s local authorities, including senior roles at Hackney Council and Barnet Council, responsible for a large range of… Show More