
Tuesday, 17 October

Subject to change
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Registration & Refreshments
This session is for Springboard delegates only.
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Springboard Session
Keynote Chair Speaker:
Matt Prosser
Chief Executive, Dorset Council & Solace President
This session is for the Springboard 2023 cohort only.
In this session, you will be joined by Liz McQue, Solace Associate and guest speaker Matt Prosser, Solace President.
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Trailblazer Day Registration & Refreshments
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Welcome Message
Chair:
Solace Policy Lead for Leadership & Chief Executive
St Helen’s Borough Council
Join Solace Policy Lead for Leadership and Chief Executive of St Helen's Council, Kath O'Dwyer for a warm welcome to Trailblazer Base Camp 2023.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Morning Session
How do I maximise my experience? This session will explore how as delegates you maximise your experience and learning whilst attending the conference. We will help you to identify and network with like-minded individuals from across the UK.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Our Leadership Journeys, How did we get here?
Chair:
Solace Policy Lead for Leadership & Chief Executive
St Helen’s Borough Council
Speakers:
Matt Prosser
Chief Executive, Dorset Council and Solace President
Salena Mulhere
Deputy Chief Executive, Test Valley Council
During this engaging session, we will have the privilege of listening to two remarkable individuals, each hailing from unique backgrounds, as they lead us on a captivating exploration of their personal leadership odysseys.
They will generously impart their experiences, both the peaks and valleys, painting a vivid tapestry of their respective journeys. Through their narratives, we will gain invaluable insights into the diverse facets of leadership, discovering the universal lessons that unite us all on this ever-evolving path.
So, prepare to be inspired and enlightened as we delve into the rich tapestry of their leadership stories.
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
Exhibition & Lunch
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Roundtables:
Your Voice: Live!
Collaborate with colleagues across the country to brainstorm ideas and help influence Solace’s programme of work aimed at influencing the manifestos of the main political parties ahead of the next general election. These roundtable discussions – on key issues facing the sector including finance, health and social care, workforce, and environment and climate change – are your chance to influence some of Solace’s key policy asks of the next government. Make your voice count!
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Exhibition & Refreshments
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Martine Wright is a survivor of the never-to-be-forgotten day in 2005 when terror hit the streets of London. As 52 people lost their lives in a series of attacks across London, she was the last survivor pulled from the train in Aldgate, losing her legs, and very nearly her life. The events of 7/7 are one bookend of her life in which her remarkable fight for recovery and rehabilitation culminated in becoming a Team GB Paralympian, appearing at London 2012.
In tribute to those who died that day, Martine chose to wear the number 7 team shirt and will share with you how she developed and adopted her mantra of the ‘Power of 7’ to provide resilience, positivity, structure and new purpose into her much-changed world.
Her compelling story of survival to sporting success and her easy and refreshingly honest approach will provide inspiration and clear key messages to all who take part in Martine’s presentation.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Workshop:
What's Next? Shaping the Future with Solace
Facilitator:
Liz McQue
In this insightful session, we'll embark on a collective journey to distil the invaluable lessons gleaned from the conference, openly discuss our challenges, and set our sights on the exciting horizon that lies ahead.
This is your golden opportunity to actively engage with Solace and communicate your desires regarding the support and events you wish to see more of in the future.
Our seasoned facilitator, Liz McQue, a dedicated Solace Associate, will guide us through this interactive exploration. Together, we will shape the future of our endeavours, drawing from the collective wisdom and experiences of the group. So, prepare to participate, share your insights, and help chart the course for our collective journey forward.
