Premium & Prime Sponsors
SPEAKERS
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Juliette Alban-Metcalfe, MSc, MPOD, CPsychol
Chief Executive Real World Group
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Fringe Session – Human Beings, Not Human Doings: The Power of Servant Leadership
Day 2 – Thursday 10th April, 11.15 – 12.00
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Carola Becker
Nutritionist and Workplace Wellbeing Advisor
Carola runs a consultancy with a focus on brain health and performance. She creates strategic programmes that benefit both employee wellbeing and business ROI. As a speaker she has been delivering engaging sessions for leading organisations in the UK and internationally on how to enhance wellbeing and productivity. In 2020, Carola conducted a worldwide study on the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on mental health and brain performance.
Carola is a member of the complementary therapies team at Exeter University and is currently writing her book ‘Eat. Live. Perform – a new approach to workplace wellbeing’. She also runs award-winning performance retreats.
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Fringe Session – Happy Hormones: The Science of Joy and Well-being
Day 3 – Friday 11th April, 11.15 – 12.00
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Lizzie Benton
Progressive culture coach and founder of Liberty Mind
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A Journey For Wholeness
Day 3 – Friday 11th April, 10.00 – 10.45
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Dawn Carter-McDonald
Chief Executive, London Borough of Hackney
Dawn Carter-McDonald is the Chief Executive of the London Borough of Hackney. She has over 20 years of experience in local government, particularly in legal, democratic, and electoral services.
Born in Hackney, Dawn has a deep personal connection to the borough and is committed to improving the quality of life for its residents. Dawn began her career at Hackney Council in 2002 and has held various leadership roles with the Council. Dawn was appointed as interim Chief Executive in 2023 and confirmed in the permanent role in 2024.
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Re-imagining officer-member relations in local government
Day 2 – Thursday 10th April, 11.15 – 12.00
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David D’Souza
Director of Profession
David is responsible for growing our membership and ensuring a strong connection with the profession, enabling us to understand how to continually improve our support for our members. Before joining the CIPD, David worked as an independent consultant, having held previous roles across a range of financial services and retail organisations.
Described as one of the UK’s most influential HR and workplace commentators, David is a respected and in- demand speaker and writer on progressive HR and business practice. He has expertise in a wide range of areas, including organisational development and culture, learning and development, corporate ethics, employee engagement and the future of work.
David is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, the Australian HR Institute, the Centre for Evidence-Based Management and a Fellow and Trustee Board Member of the Royal Society of Arts.
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The Future of Work: Evolving HR and Professional Growth
Day 3 – Friday 11th April, 12.00 – 12.45
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Stephen Gabriel
Chief Executive, Tamworth Borough Council
Stephen Gabriel is the Chief Executive of Tamworth Borough Council, a position he has held since April, 2024. With over 30 years of experience in local government, Stephen has a strong background in leadership and public service.
Prior to his current role, Stephen served in various capacities across multiple councils, demonstrating a commitment to community development and effective governance. His leadership journey includes significant contributions to Sandwell Council, where he shared insights about his experiences in local government.
Stephen is also recognised for his active engagement in discussions about leadership within the public sector. He has been featured in the Local Government Stories Podcast, where he shared perspectives on the evolving landscape of local governance.
As Chief Executive, Stephen continues to focus on enhancing community services and fostering a collaborative environment within Tamworth Borough Council.
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Chief Executive panel session
Day 1 – Wednesday 9th April, 15.30 – 16.15
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Claire Gilbert
Principal Associate, Capsticks
Claire is a Principal Associate in Capsticks’ employment and pensions team and a qualified barrister. With experience in global organisations, local government, and leading law firms, she advises clients on employment law, compliance, investigations, and tribunal work, particularly in healthcare, education, and the public sector.
She has a strong focus on industrial relations, equal pay, discrimination, and family rights. Passionate about corporate social responsibility, Claire has volunteered at law centres, schools, and third-sector organisations, including serving as Chair of Governors at a local school.
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Fringe Session – Employment Law Update: Key Legal Developments for Public Sector Employers
Day 2 – Thursday 10th April, 11.15 – 12.00
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Leatham Green
Transformation Director, Oracle
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Fringe Session – Mindfulness & Meditation: Cultivating Balance and Resilience
Day 3 – Friday 11th April, 11.15 – 12.00
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Professor Steven Griggs
Professor in Digital, Tech, Innovation & Business, University of Staffordshire
Professor Steven Griggs is a leading scholar in public policy, serving as Director of the Centre for Business, Innovation, and the Regions. His research focuses on democratic governance, collaboration, and sustainability, with extensive experience working alongside local governments and communities to improve policy making.
Steven actively contributes to policy development for local authorities and public sector organisations and plays a key role in senior leadership programmes. He has a long-standing research partnership with APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) and serves as a Faculty Member on the Local Government Executive Leadership Programme, sponsored by the Commercial Services Group.
A founding editor of Critical Policy Studies, Steven is also a member of the Advisory Group for the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Public Policy and Public Administration, shaping the future of public policy education and practice.
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Fringe Session – Re-imagining officer-member relations in local government
Day 2 – Thursday 10th April, 11.15 – 12.00
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Sean Hick
Sean Hick is a Principal Associate in Capsticks’ national Employment and Pensions team, specialising in public sector employment law since qualifying in 2016. With over six years’ experience advising public, private, and third-sector clients, he is the lead contact for Capsticks’ local government practice in the North, working closely with councils, healthcare providers, and emergency services.
Expertise Sean is highly experienced in handling complex Employment Tribunal cases, particularly those involving whistleblowing and discrimination, as well as Executive Board removals and Employment Appeal Tribunal cases. He provides practical, strategic advice on managing challenging employee issues.
CSR & Community Involvement Committed to inclusivity and leadership, Sean was a Co-Chair of Capsticks’ LGBT+ network (Prism) and actively supports the Ahead Partnership Programme. He also serves as a Beaver Scout Leader and Trustee of his local Scout District Executive.
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Fringe Session – Employment Law Update: Key Legal Developments for Public Sector Employers
Day 2 – Thursday 10th April, 11.15 – 12.00
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Stuart Hoddinott
Stuart Hoddinott is a Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government, specialising in public services, local government, and social care policy. With a background in management accounting, he brings a unique financial perspective to public policy analysis.
Stuart holds degrees in politics and economics (undergraduate) and public policy (master’s). His research focuses on health and adult social care, as well as the funding and delivery of local government services, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in public sector reform.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
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Navigating the Changing Landscape: Future of Local Government
Day 1 – Wednesday 9th April, 16.15 – 15.00
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Trevor Holden
Managing Director, Broadland and South Norfolk Councils
www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk
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Chief Executive panel session
Day 1 – Wednesday 9th April, 15.30 – 16.15
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Althea Loderick has been the Chief Executive of the London Borough of Southwark since May 2022. Prior to this, she served as the Chief Executive of Newham Council, one of London’s largest local authorities. Her earlier roles include Strategic Director for Resources at Brent Council and Chief Operating Officer at Waltham Forest Council.
Before returning to local government in 2010, Althea held significant positions in national organisations. She was a director at a national policing improvement agency, leading people strategy and workforce modernisation for a workforce of nearly 250,000 officers and staff. Additionally, she served as Deputy Director at the National Offender Management Service, focusing on people strategy and workforce change.
With over 25 years of experience spanning local government, national organisations, and private sector consultancy, Althea began her career in supported housing, working with homeless and vulnerable individuals. She is also the Chief Executive lead advisor for Crime and Public Protection at London Councils and has been actively involved in initiatives promoting equality and combating discrimination within large organisations.
Althea’s leadership is characterised by a commitment to high-quality public services and a focus on enabling corporate services to support organisational priorities, ultimately empowering citizens to improve their lives.
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Chief Executive panel session
Day 1 – Wednesday 9th April, 15.30 – 16.15
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Alison McKenzie-Folan
Chief Executive, Wigan Council
Alison McKenzie-Folan OBE has been the Chief Executive of Wigan Council since 2019, overseeing the delivery of more than 700 services to the community. With a career spanning over three decades in local government and the civil service, she is dedicated to enhancing public services and making a positive impact on residents and communities.
Alison’s leadership extends beyond Wigan Council. She serves as Chairperson of iNetwork, an organisation that promotes innovation and collaboration across the public sector. Additionally, she holds board positions with Open Data Manchester CIC and Solace, contributing to the advancement of data transparency and local government excellence.
Her commitment to public service and community development was recognised in 2024 when she was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Alison expressed her gratitude by dedicating the accolade to her team, emphasising the collective effort in delivering excellent public services.
Alison’s educational background includes a Master’s degree in Strategic Human Resources from Liverpool John Moores University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety from Aston University. Her expertise encompasses strategic leadership, health and social care integration, and digital transformation within the public sector.
Through her innovative approach and unwavering dedication, Alison McKenzie-Folan continues to drive positive change, fostering resilient and thriving communities in Wigan and beyond.
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Chief Executive panel session
Day 1 – Wednesday 9th April, 15.30 – 16.15
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Rachel Mellish
Rachs Wellness Loft
Rachel Mellish is a dedicated wellness practitioner and the founder of Rach’s Wellness Loft, based in Manchester, United Kingdom. With over 15 years of experience as a social worker, Rachel turned to holistic healing practices during the pandemic to manage stress and anxiety. This personal journey led her to become a Reiki healer and crystal therapy practitioner, inspiring her to establish Rach’s Wellness Loft to share these benefits with others.
At Rach’s Wellness Loft, Rachel offers a range of services designed to promote relaxation and well-being, including Reiki sessions, crystal workshops, meditation, and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as tapping. Her mission is to make wellness activities more accessible to all, providing tailored well-being programs for schools, businesses, and community groups.
Through Rach’s Wellness Loft, Rachel continues to empower individuals and communities by providing holistic tools and practices that support mental, emotional, and physical health.
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Sound Bath Workshop: Relax, Recenter, and Rejuvenate
Day 3 – Friday 11th April, 11.15 – 12.100
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Shazia Mirza
British comedian, actress, and writer
Shazia Mirza is a British comedian, actress, and writer renowned for her distinctive stand-up comedy and insightful contributions to various publications. Born in Birmingham, England, she is the eldest daughter of Pakistani parents who immigrated to the UK in the 1960s.
Mirza pursued a degree in Biochemistry at the University of Manchester, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Goldsmiths, University of London. Before embarking on her comedy career, she worked as a science teacher at Langdon Park School in London, where her students included Dylan Mills, now known as the rapper Dizzee Rascal. Wikipédia, a enciclopédia livre.
Her foray into stand-up comedy began in the early 2000s, quickly gaining attention for her bold and thought-provoking material. In 2003, The Observer listed her among the 50 funniest acts in British comedy. Mirza’s comedy often explores themes of religion, culture, and identity, drawing from her personal experiences. Her critically acclaimed show, “The Kardashians Made Me Do It,” delves into complex social issues with her characteristic wit.
Beyond stand-up, Mirza has made numerous television appearances, including on “The Jonathan Ross Show,” “Have I Got News for You,” and “Celebrity MasterChef.” In 2024, she participated in Channel 4’s “Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins,” showcasing her resilience in challenging environments.
As a writer, Mirza has contributed columns to The Guardian, The New Statesman, and other publications, offering sharp commentary on contemporary issues. Her work earned her recognition as Columnist of the Year at the 2008 PPA Awards.
Mirza’s contributions to comedy and literature have solidified her as a significant figure in British entertainment, known for her fearless approach to challenging societal norms through humour and insightful discourse.
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PPMA Excellence in People Management Awards 2025 and Gala dinner
Day 2 – Thursday 10th April, 18.30 – Till late
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Pam Parkes
PPMA President
Pam Parkes, FCIPD, is a distinguished leader in public sector human resources and organisational development, currently serving as the President of the Public Services People Managers Association (PPMA) and as Equal Pay and Workforce Lead Commissioner at Birmingham City Council.
With a career spanning over four decades, Pam has held several pivotal roles in local government. Prior to her current position, she was the Executive Director for People and Transformation at Essex County Council, where she led initiatives to enhance workforce capabilities and drive organisational change. In October 2024, she was appointed as a commissioner at Birmingham City Council, focusing on workforce-related issues, leadership, culture, and addressing equal pay challenges.
In April 2024, Pam was elected President of the PPMA, succeeding Gordon McFarlane. Her presidency is marked by a commitment to strengthening the association’s offerings to its members, promoting talent development programs, and fostering collaborations with other public sector bodies. She emphasises the critical role of human resources in addressing significant challenges in public service delivery, advocating for proactive solutions to workforce issues.
Throughout her career, Pam has been recognised for her strategic vision and dedication to public service. Her leadership continues to influence the evolution of human resources practices within the public sector, aiming to build resilient and effective organisations that can adeptly serve their communities.
www.ppma.org.uk
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Tom Stannard
Chief Executive, Manchester City Council
Tom Stannard is the Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, leading a high-performing organisation of nearly 7,000 staff in one of the UK’s largest and fastest-growing cities. Working closely with Cllr Bev Craig, he focuses on driving inclusive growth, delivering excellent public services, and ensuring Manchester remains a global leader in investment, jobs, and innovation.
As GMCA Chief Executive Lead for Economy, Business & International, Tom plays a key role in Greater Manchester’s £8bn devolution programme. He also leads Manchester’s integrated health and social care system within the Greater Manchester Integrated Care System (ICS).
With over 27 years in local government, including as Chief Executive of Salford City Council, Tom has a national reputation for delivering regeneration, economic development, and public service reform. A Chartered Surveyor, he is Chair of the UK Institute of Economic Development, a Living Wage Foundation Commissioner, and a policy lead for SOLACE on Health and Social Care.
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Leadership and Vision: Shaping the Future of Manchester
Day 1 – Wednesday 9th April, 14.30 – 15.15
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Kirk Vallis
Creative leader, coach and innovation skills trainer
Kirk helps the worlds of elite business and sport to use creativity to solve problems, maximise opportunity and outthink the opposition.
For the past 12 years, Kirk has headed up Google’s global creativity capability building team, ensuring the practice and preparedness to disrupt legacy thinking and our autopilot habits, in order to unlock fresh ideas, new approaches and competitive advantage.
He also brings this mindset and skill set to other business leaders and organisations, such as Adidas, Santander and Rolls Royce. And supports some of the world’s highest performing athletes and sports teams to find an edge by challenging deep rivers of old-school thinking.
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The Creative Leader: Unlocking Innovation Through Leadership
Day 2 – Thursday 10th April, 10.00 – 10.45
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Ritika Wadhwa
Chief Executive Officer, Prabhaav Global
Ritika was born and brought up in India. She went on to achieve an MBA in the UK and broke all barriers as an immigrant to Canada and the UK. Ritika has over 30 years of experience working at Board level across 3 continents, with senior stakeholders – within the public and private sector.
Ritika is on a mission to bring inclusion and innovation to the heart of organisations, and she believes that Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is a capability which can do that. Following her recent role as COO at the Cultural Intelligence Centre, Ritika is now the Founder and CEO of Prabhaav Global. Prabhaav means impact in Hindi and organisation’s mission is to apply the transformational power of Cultural Intelligence for impactful leadership.
Ritika is a CQ Certified Facilitator and a Fellow at the Society of Leadership Fellows, Windsor Castle. She sits on the Strategic Advisory Board member for British Transport Police and is a Trustee and Board Director at the 5% club. Ritika is also a sought-after Keynote speaker.
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Cultural Intelligence – A crucial skill for navigating change.
Day 2 – Thursday 10th April, 12.00 – 12.45
Conference & Award Sponsors
