LGPN NORTH 2026 AGENDA

28 – 29 April, The Manchester Deansgate, Manchester

LGPN is a unique, two-day learning and networking event which brings together the most inspirational leaders and transformational suppliers in local government to share cutting-edge insights, knowledge and experience. Our agenda is carefully curated to address the most relevant and emerging challenges in the sector.

Day 1
Day 2

28 April 2026

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Registration
9:00 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Chairs' opening remarks

Alison Lincoln

Vice President
Socitm

Welcome to the Local Government Partnership Network!
9:10 am - 9:55 am

Main Room

Opening keynote panel – From local initiatives to national impact: reimagining local government for the next decade

Alison Lincoln

Vice President
Socitm

Lorraine O’Donnell

Chief Executive
Bradford Council

Michael Cullen

Chief Executive / Place Based Lead
Stockport Council / NHS Greater Manchester

This opening keynote panel confronts local government’s biggest challenge – not a lack of innovation, but a lack of alignment. From digital pilots that never scale to budgets that cannot flex, transformation remains fragmented. Our p...

This opening keynote panel confronts local government’s biggest challenge – not a lack of innovation, but a lack of alignment. From digital pilots that never scale to budgets that cannot flex, transformation remains fragmented. Our panellists will discuss how we can connect ambition with delivery, uniting leaders to turn local innovation into system-wide, financially sustainable change that delivers tangible outcomes for citizens.
10:00 am - 10:20 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
10:25 am - 10:55 am

Main Room

Dragon's den - Speed presentations

Dragons’ Den – a quick-fire pitch session featuring all of our sponsors. Each supplier delivers a 60-second elevator pitch about their solution – giving you an opportunity to earmark suppliers and solutions you are most interested ...

Dragons’ Den – a quick-fire pitch session featuring all of our sponsors. Each supplier delivers a 60-second elevator pitch about their solution – giving you an opportunity to earmark suppliers and solutions you are most interested in.
11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
12:20 pm - 1:05 pm

Main Room

Quick fire case study session – Proving what’s possible: three stories of local innovation that delivers

Helen Stevenson

Programme Manager: Digital Capabilities
Local Government Association

Amanda Stevens

Assistant Director Digital
London Borough of Lambeth

Kieran Smith

Head of Digital Transformation
GMCA Digital

Shifting from strategic to tactical, this rapid-fire session features two councils proving what is possible when innovation meets delivery. Covering topics including automation of core services, redesigning resident experiences, and unlo...

Shifting from strategic to tactical, this rapid-fire session features two councils proving what is possible when innovation meets delivery. Covering topics including automation of core services, redesigning resident experiences, and unlocking savings through smarter use of data, these will be concise, practical stories of change that works in the real world – offering inspiration for leaders ready to move beyond strategy and start delivering true transformation.
1:10 pm - 1:30 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

An opportunity to connect with your peers and suppliers to talk over the learnings from the event. Lunch is served buffet style and a range of options are available to cater for different dietary requirements.
2:15 pm - 2:55 pm

Main Room

Group roundtable discussion – Real problems, real solutions

David Ogden

Director of Engagement
SOCITM

In this interactive roundtable session, you will set the agenda! Each table will tackle a real problem submitted by your peers, sharing practical experiences and shaping actionable solutions everyone can take home. This is about collecti...

In this interactive roundtable session, you will set the agenda! Each table will tackle a real problem submitted by your peers, sharing practical experiences and shaping actionable solutions everyone can take home. This is about collective problem-solving: helping to address shared challenges with new ideas, partnerships, and the confidence to deliver.
2:55 pm - 3:15 pm

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
3:20 pm - 3:40 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
3:45 pm - 5:00 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
5:05 pm - 5:45 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote address – Leadership that reflects the communities we serve

Ruth Ibegbuna

Founder
Reclaim Project

Ruth Ibegbuna is a nationally recognised social entrepreneur and leadership voice who has worked with young people, women, and communities often overlooked by traditional power structures. Drawing on her journey from teacher to founder o...

Ruth Ibegbuna is a nationally recognised social entrepreneur and leadership voice who has worked with young people, women, and communities often overlooked by traditional power structures. Drawing on her journey from teacher to founder of impactful organisations like RECLAIM and The Roots Programme, Ruth challenges leaders to move beyond tokenistic inclusion and lead with authenticity, courage and deep connection to those they serve. In this closing keynote, she will discuss how disruption can be a force for equity, how trust is built from the ground up, and why truly representative leadership is the key to lasting public value.
5:45 pm - 7:30 pm

Main Room

Hotel check-in/ free time
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Main Room

Drinks reception & networking dinner

Networking sessions – throughout the event we host a networking lunch as well as a dinner and drinks reception to give you ample opportunity to connect with your peers and suppliers over the learnings from the event. Dinner is served i...

Networking sessions – throughout the event we host a networking lunch as well as a dinner and drinks reception to give you ample opportunity to connect with your peers and suppliers over the learnings from the event. Dinner is served in formal-style seating to a set menu. Our delegate team will speak to you to ensure we cater for any specific dietary requirements.

29 April 2026

8:55 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Alison Lincoln

Vice President
Socitm

Welcome to Day 2 of the Local Government Partnership Network.
9:00 am - 9:30 am

Main Room

Making LGR work for people, not politics

Katy Fox

Executive Director of HR
Birmingham City Council

Darron Cox

Director of Procurement
Surrey County Council

Across the country, councils are navigating the turbulence of Local Government Reorganisation – new boundaries, new responsibilities, and new expectations. But does structural change equal transformation, or is it potentially inhibitin...

Across the country, councils are navigating the turbulence of Local Government Reorganisation – new boundaries, new responsibilities, and new expectations. But does structural change equal transformation, or is it potentially inhibiting innovation? This candid conversation will feature two leaders unpacking the tensions between cost-cutting and creativity, culture and capability. How do we turn upheaval into opportunity and ensure reforms delivers better outcomes, not just new org charts?
9:35 am - 9:55 am

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
9:55 am - 10:15 am

Main Room

The CAIO Print: Embedding AI in Regions

Tiffany St James

Chief AI Officer
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

The CAIO Print is our blueprint for embedding responsible AI across the region — ethically, transparently and at scale. From smarter transport and better health outcomes to stronger skills, institutions and innovation, it shows how AI ...

The CAIO Print is our blueprint for embedding responsible AI across the region — ethically, transparently and at scale. From smarter transport and better health outcomes to stronger skills, institutions and innovation, it shows how AI can power public value, economic growth and opportunity for every community we serve.
10:15 am - 10:20 am

Main Room

Breakout workshop sessions

Our breakout workshop sessions will focus on three tracks:

Digital infrastructure and innovation
Financial sustainability and value
People, skills and culture
10:20 am - 10:45 am

Main Room

Digital infrastructure and innovation – AI that actually works

Kat Sexton

Deputy Director for AI in Local Government
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

This session digs into what is really delivering results. Join a group of your peers to share live examples of intelligent automation improving services, reducing costs, and freeing up staff for higher-value work. This is a candid, colla...

This session digs into what is really delivering results. Join a group of your peers to share live examples of intelligent automation improving services, reducing costs, and freeing up staff for higher-value work. This is a candid, collaborative conversation about what works, what does not, and what is next for AI in local government.
10:50 am - 11:10 am

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
11:15 am - 12:15 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
12:20 pm - 12:45 pm

Main Room

Digital infrastructure and innovation – Getting cyber and governance right

Andy Brammall

Director of Digital & Physical Infrastructure and Customer Engagement
Derby City Council

Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa

Cabinet Member for Digital and Organisational Transformation
Derby City Council

Sustainable transformation depends on strong foundations. In this session, people will share how they are tacking cyber threats, managing data responsibly, and building trust across teams. This will be a frank conversation about balancin...

Sustainable transformation depends on strong foundations. In this session, people will share how they are tacking cyber threats, managing data responsibly, and building trust across teams. This will be a frank conversation about balancing innovation with risk, and how to embed resilience without slowing delivery.
12:50 pm - 1:20 pm

Main Room

Keynote panel – What can we do now? Practical takeaways from the breakout tracks

Alison Lincoln

Vice President
Socitm

Kat Sexton

Deputy Director for AI in Local Government
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Chris Wanley

Director of ICT & Customer Services
Manchester City Council

Anthony Carr

Head of Digital and Customer Services
Dundee City Council

Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa

Cabinet Member for Digital and Organisational Transformation
Derby City Council

Holly Rae

Assistant Director – Strategy, Transformation and Digital
Stockport Council

Judith Greenhalgh

Executive Director of Resources and Transformation
Walsall Council

Our tracks have examined transformation from different perspectives. This wrap-up panel brings together session leaders to distil the most practical takeaways, highlight key lessons learned, and share what really works in local governmen...

Our tracks have examined transformation from different perspectives. This wrap-up panel brings together session leaders to distil the most practical takeaways, highlight key lessons learned, and share what really works in local government today. This is about what to prioritise, what to avoid, and how to join the dots across functions to deliver resilient, citizen-centric transformation.
1:25 pm - 1:30 pm

Main Room

Chair's closing remarks
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

An opportunity to connect with your peers and suppliers to talk over the learnings from the event. Lunch is served buffet style and a range of options are available to cater for different dietary requirements.
10:20 am - 10:45 am

Breakout Room 1

Financial sustainability and value – The business case for digital

Chris Wanley

Director of ICT & Customer Services
Manchester City Council

Innovation means nothing if it is not sustainable. In this practical workshop, leaders will share how they are linking digital transformation to measurable savings and long-term value. Join to share real examples, funding models, and str...

Innovation means nothing if it is not sustainable. In this practical workshop, leaders will share how they are linking digital transformation to measurable savings and long-term value. Join to share real examples, funding models, and strategies that make digital work financially – not just technically.
12:20 pm - 12:45 pm

Breakout Room 1

Financial sustainability and value – Building partnerships that deliver value

Holly Rae

Assistant Director – Strategy, Transformation and Digital
Stockport Council

Andrea Lingley

Assistant Director - Communications, Engagement and Customer
Stockport Council

Transformation does not happen in isolation. This discussion will focus on how smarter partnerships – with suppliers, peers, and regional networks – can deliver real financial and service value. Covering procurement pain points, shar...

Transformation does not happen in isolation. This discussion will focus on how smarter partnerships – with suppliers, peers, and regional networks – can deliver real financial and service value. Covering procurement pain points, shared success, and what genuine collaboration looks like in practice.
10:20 am - 10:45 am

Breakout Room 2

People, skills and culture – Building capability and confidence

Anthony Carr

Head of Digital and Customer Services
Dundee City Council

This workshop showcases how councils are closing the digital literacy gap, building leadership confidence, and equipping their teams with the skills they need to adapt. Join to share your experiences of approaches that really work in tur...

This workshop showcases how councils are closing the digital literacy gap, building leadership confidence, and equipping their teams with the skills they need to adapt. Join to share your experiences of approaches that really work in turning capability into confidence.
12:20 pm - 12:45 pm

Breakout Room 2

People, skills and culture – Workforce transformation and the new operating model

Judith Greenhalgh

Executive Director of Resources and Transformation
Walsall Council

New technology demands new ways of working. This discussion will address how councils are redesigning teams, breaking silos, and embedding flexibility to deliver better services with limited resources. Join to share lessons on skills, cu...

New technology demands new ways of working. This discussion will address how councils are redesigning teams, breaking silos, and embedding flexibility to deliver better services with limited resources. Join to share lessons on skills, culture, and structures that make transformation sustainable.

Day 1
Day 2

LGPN NORTH 2026 AGENDA

28 – 29 April, The Manchester Deansgate, Manchester

LGPN NORTH 2026 AGENDA

28 April 2026

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Registration

9:00 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Chairs' opening remarks

Alison Lincoln

Vice President Socitm

9:10 am - 9:55 am

Main Room

Opening keynote panel – From local initiatives to national impact: reimagining local government for the next decade

Alison Lincoln

Vice President Socitm

Lorraine O’Donnell

Chief Executive Bradford Council

Michael Cullen

Chief Executive / Place Based Lead Stockport Council / NHS Greater Manchester

10:00 am - 10:20 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

10:25 am - 10:55 am

Main Room

Dragon's den - Speed presentations

11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

12:20 pm - 1:05 pm

Main Room

Quick fire case study session – Proving what’s possible: three stories of local innovation that delivers

Helen Stevenson

Programme Manager: Digital Capabilities Local Government Association

Amanda Stevens

Assistant Director Digital London Borough of Lambeth

Kieran Smith

Head of Digital Transformation GMCA Digital

1:10 pm - 1:30 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

1:30 pm - 2:15 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

2:15 pm - 2:55 pm

Main Room

Group roundtable discussion – Real problems, real solutions

David Ogden

Director of Engagement SOCITM

2:55 pm - 3:15 pm

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

3:20 pm - 3:40 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentation

3:45 pm - 5:00 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

5:05 pm - 5:45 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote address – Leadership that reflects the communities we serve

Ruth Ibegbuna

Founder Reclaim Project

5:45 pm - 7:30 pm

Main Room

Hotel check-in/ free time

7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Main Room

Drinks reception & networking dinner

29 April 2026

8:55 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Alison Lincoln

Vice President Socitm

9:00 am - 9:30 am

Main Room

Making LGR work for people, not politics

Katy Fox

Executive Director of HR Birmingham City Council

Darron Cox

Vice President
Socitm

Vice President
Socitm

Chief Executive
Bradford Council

Chief Executive / Place Based Lead
Stockport Council / NHS Greater Manchester

Programme Manager: Digital Capabilities
Local Government Association

Assistant Director Digital
London Borough of Lambeth

Head of Digital Transformation
GMCA Digital

Director of Engagement
SOCITM

Founder
Reclaim Project

Vice President
Socitm

Executive Director of HR
Birmingham City Council

Director of Procurement
Surrey County Council

Chief AI Officer
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

Deputy Director for AI in Local Government
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Director of Digital & Physical Infrastructure and Customer Engagement
Derby City Council

Cabinet Member for Digital and Organisational Transformation
Derby City Council

Vice President
Socitm

Deputy Director for AI in Local Government
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Director of ICT & Customer Services
Manchester City Council

Head of Digital and Customer Services
Dundee City Council

Cabinet Member for Digital and Organisational Transformation
Derby City Council

Assistant Director – Strategy, Transformation and Digital
Stockport Council

Executive Director of Resources and Transformation
Walsall Council

Director of ICT & Customer Services
Manchester City Council

Assistant Director – Strategy, Transformation and Digital
Stockport Council

Assistant Director - Communications, Engagement and Customer
Stockport Council

Head of Digital and Customer Services
Dundee City Council