2025 Speakers
From seasoned public sector leaders to fresh voices shaping the future, Solace Summit 2025 brings together the thinkers and doers driving change across local government. Expect real-world insights, bold ideas, and candid conversations—all designed to help you lead with purpose, act with confidence, and deliver lasting impact. Explore the full programme. More speakers to be added in the coming weeks! Stay tuned to this page for updates.
Robin Tuddenham
President of Solace and Chief Executive, Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
Liz McQue
Facilitator & Solace Associate
Ed Whiting OBE
Chief Executive, Leeds City Council
Chris Naylor
Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Nazeya Hussain
Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Kirsty Wark
Speaker, award-winning journalist and presenter
Mike Land
City Manager of Coppell, Texas, and President-Elect of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Brenda Orchard
President of CAMA and Chief Administrative Officer, Lennox and Addington County
Craig Swift-McNair
General Manager, Woollahra Council, Sydney, Australia
Tom Stannard
Chief Executive, Manchester City Council
Dr Owen Williams OBE
Chief Executive,Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
John Clarke
Head of Client Solution – Healthcare, Netcall
Jon Rouse CBE
Chief Executive, Stoke on Trent City Council and Solace Policy Lead for Housing, Planning and Infrastructure
Joanna Key
Director General for Regeneration, Housing and Planning, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)
Diksha Vyas
Head of Digital Change and Service Improvement, Bracknell Forest Council
Tracey Anderson
Head of Scrutiny and Ward Forums, London Borough of Hackney
Mark Gannon
Director of Client Solutions, Netcall
Craig Barker
Senior Manager, Digital and Customer Experience, Cumberland Council
Kate Hurr
Assistant Director, Digital Innovation and ICT, Cumberland Council
Kathryn Rees
Executive Director Corporate and Support Services, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Vicki Bates
Assistant Director, Governance and Monitoring Officer, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Kate Joseph CB
Chief Executive, Sheffield City Council
Averil Price
Solace Associate and Director, Avie Consultancy
Kersten England CBE
Chair, The Young Foundation; Director of Engagement, Bradford 2025, Yorkshire Universities
Dr Peter O’Brien
Executive Director, Yorkshire Universities
Sarah Norman
Chief Executive, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, and Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Councils’ Chief Executives’ Group
Dr Mariana Pexton
Deputy Chief Executive, Leeds City Council
Ciara Graven
Consultant – Economics and Casemaking Team, Arup
Gareth Fairweather
Senior Leader, Urban and Regional, Arup
Simon Allsop B.Com, CPFA
Managing Consultant, CIPFA
John O'Halloran
Director of Consultancy, CIPFA
Asim Ali
VP of UK Sales, Granicus
Jonathan Bradley
Senior Experience Partner, Granicus
Lemn Sissay OBE FRSL
Playwright, memoirist, performer and broadcaster
Dr Henry Kippin
Chief Executive, North East Combined Authority
Amy Harhoff
Chief Executive, East Midlands Combined County Authority
Mark Rogers
Chief Executive, The Leadership Centre
Helen Bailey
Chief Executive, London Borough of Sutton
Katie Piper OBE
Writer, Activist and Broadcaster
Evelyn John
Inner Circle Consulting
Nicola Monk
Divisional CEO, Energy & Environment, Procurement & Partnerships, Commercial Services Group
Rosa Foster
Director, Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission
Jon Gleek
Head of Research, LGIU
Lisa Smith
Director of Strategy, Performance and Partnerships, Liverpool City Council
Lee Goodenough
Executive Director, Harmony Fire
Andrew Ferrier
Chief Executive, Test Valley Borough Council
Lord Gary Porter
Political Leader and National Voice on Housing Safety
Jonathan Clifton
Director of Strategy and Communications, Sheffield City Council
Kamal Patel
Partner in EY-Parthenon’s Infrastructure Advisory Pactice, EY
Marcus Richards
Partner in EY-Parthenon’s Infrastructure Advisory Practice, EY
Kevin Bolt MBA
Managing Director, Step-Change Management
Eleanor Kelly
Former Chief Executive
Hayley Hamlett
Director of HR & Corporate Affairs