PPMA Annual Conference 2026
Thursday 23rd – Friday 24th April | Birmingham Metropole Hilton

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Thank you to everyone who joined us at the PPMA Annual Conference 2026. It was fantastic to return to the Hilton Birmingham Metropole and welcome so many colleagues from across the public sector for two days of insight, discussion and connection.

This year’s conference was shaped by your feedback, with a more focused two-day format designed to deliver maximum value, practical insight and meaningful engagement — and we hope you found it both useful and inspiring.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all our delegates for your energy and contribution, helping to create such a positive and engaging atmosphere throughout the event.

Watch the Conference Highlights

Relive some of the key moments, inspiring speakers and connections from the PPMA Annual Conference 2026.

A special thank you to our speakers, who shared their expertise, experience and thought leadership, including:

  • Graeme McDonald, Managing Director, SOLACE
  • Theresa Grant OBE
  • Eddie Copeland, Director, London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI)
  • Mark Hardingham CBE QFSM
SPEAKER DETAILS

Feedback:
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FEEDBACK

We are also incredibly grateful to our sponsors and exhibitors, whose continued support plays a vital role in making the conference possible and enhancing the overall experience for our delegates.

Across the two days, the programme brought together keynote sessions, interactive fringe discussions and valuable networking opportunities, all focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities facing HR, OD and people professionals in the public sector today.

Conference slides and event photos are now available below, so you can revisit key sessions and highlights from the event.

You can also find full details of the Excellence in People Management Awards 2026 winners on the awards pages of our website.

Thank you once again for being part of PPMA Annual Conference 2026 — we look forward to welcoming you again next year.

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Agenda

You can view this year’s agenda below.

Agenda

To check out all the photos from this year’s conference, click on the image below…

PPMA Annual Conference 2026 - Birmingham

Session Slides:
Slides from the majority of sessions are available to view and download below.

Graeme McDonald, Managing Director of SOLACE, delivered an insightful overview of the current landscape in local government. The session explored key issues including local government reform (LGR), financial pressures and emerging priorities, offering expert perspectives on navigating the challenges facing councils today and the strategic decisions shaping the future of local public services.

Download the presentation slides to revisit the key insights from this session.

Alison Thompson, Head of People and Employer Services, Local Government East (LGE), led an insightful session exploring how the Employment Rights Act may reshape workplace expectations, consultation processes and collective negotiations. The discussion highlighted key implications for both employers and unions, offering practical insight into maintaining constructive, collaborative relationships in a changing regulatory environment.

Download the presentation slides to revisit the key insights from this session.

Steve Walker-Whitehead, Director of People, Equality and OD, Yuri Panferov, Employee Relations Manager, and Alison Ford, Strategic Projects Partner at the London Borough of Hounslow, shared their journey of transforming the organisation’s approach to conflict resolution to create a happier workplace aligned with its values.

The session explored the challenges and rewards of implementing this cultural shift, key lessons learned, and included an interactive element where delegates applied the approach in practice.

Download the presentation slides to revisit the key insights from this session.

Theresa Grant OBE shared her extensive experience of leading local government through major reforms and reorganisations. Drawing on decades of frontline leadership, she provided practical insights into effective leadership, navigating complex structural change, and ensuring transformation delivers meaningful impact in today’s challenging local government landscape.

Download the presentation slides to revisit the key insights from this session.

Eddie Copeland, Director of the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI), explored how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming how public sector organisations attract talent, improve workforce efficiency and deliver services.

The session provided practical insight into how HR and OD professionals can harness these tools responsibly and strategically to enhance people processes, build digital capability and drive smarter public services.

Download the presentation slides to revisit the key insights from this session.

Sean Hick, Partner, and Claire Gilbert, Legal Director at Capsticks, delivered a concise overview of current employment law developments and their impact on the workplace. The session provided practical guidance on compliance, employee rights and best practice for navigating legal challenges effectively.

Download the presentation slides to revisit the key insights from this session.

Luann Donald, Senior Adviser Workforce at the Local Government Association (LGA), and Caroline Nugent, Senior Executive Human Resources at Nu-GenHR Ltd, explored the principles, challenges and practical steps involved in achieving equal pay.

The session provided insights into legal requirements, strategies for addressing pay gaps and approaches to fostering a fair and inclusive workplace culture.

Download the presentation slides to revisit the key insights from this session.

In this powerful closing keynote, Mark Hardingham CBE QFSM shared critical organisational learning emerging from the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire. Drawing on first-hand involvement and national leadership experience, he explored what the tragedy revealed about system failures, culture, governance, leadership responsibility and organisational resilience.

The session invited public sector leaders to reflect on how these lessons can be translated into meaningful change within their own organisations, strengthening accountability, improving cross-agency collaboration and ensuring that learning is not only captured, but acted upon.

Download the presentation slides to revisit the key insights from this session.

Excellence in People Management Awards 2026
The conference wasn’t just about learning — we also took time to celebrate colleagues’ hard work at our Awards Evening, recognising the fantastic work taking place across the sector.

You can find out more about the evening and our winners by clicking below.

View Awards 2026

✨ Highlights from PPMA Conference 2025

Curious about past Conferences? Take a look at 2025’s moments:

  • Inspiring talks from public sector leaders

  • Interactive workshops and practical sessions

  • Networking with peers across the UK

  • Celebrating achievements at the People Management Awards

🎥 Watch the highlights and get a taste of the energy, ideas, and connections waiting for you at future events!