LGPN SOUTH 2025 AGENDA

18 – 19 November, Radisson Blu, Edwardian, Heathrow

Delivering tangible solutions for the public sector

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

18 November 2025

8:00 am - 8:45 am

Main Room

Registration
8:45 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Nadira Hussain

Chief Executive Officer
SOCITM

Welcome to the Local Government Partnership Network!
9:00 am - 9:40 am

Main Room

The road ahead – Shaping the future of digital in local government

Rehana Ramesh

Director - ICT, Digital and Customer Service
London Borough of Hackney

Mark Lumley

Director Digital, IT & Resilience
London Borough of Hounslow

From entrepreneur to e-government advisor and local government reform, Jens Gemmel von Döllinger brings his ideas and innovation to drive systemic change through innovative public service delivery models and the application of AI and data analytics.
Working in Public Service Reform for over two decades as a Systems Thinking Practitioner and author of ‘Living Council: A Manifesto for Practice’, Jens designs and implements sustainable operating models for organisations that provide city and community solutions – places where we live, invest, work, learn, visit and play.
He has led on some of the most impactful public sector transformations in the UK and helped reshape the priorities of over a dozen local authorities, cities and their partners. Jens was Highly Commended for two IoD National Director of the Year Awards 2023, in the categories ‘Public & Third Sector’ and for ‘Sustainability’, recognising his groundbreaking work on prevention-first models for local government.

Jens Gemmel

Public Sector Reformist

Owen Pritchard

Head of Cyber, Digital and Technology
LGA

As digital transformation becomes increasingly crucial for local governments, leaders are seeking ways to overcome challenges and leverage opportunities in this evolving landscape.

This opening panel will set the stage for the con...

As digital transformation becomes increasingly crucial for local governments, leaders are seeking ways to overcome challenges and leverage opportunities in this evolving landscape.

This opening panel will set the stage for the conference, exploring:
• The importance of collaboration both internally and across authorities, to address common challenges and reduce duplication of efforts in digital transformation, including sharing digital solutions across different councils
• Strategies to identify and develop digital services that meet the needs of diverse community members and ensure digital inclusion
• How to evaluate the impact and success of digital transformation initiatives within local governments such as enhanced capacity and increased staff wellbeing
• Predictions of where the next 5-10 years could take us and what is needed to ensure successful transformation across local authorities
9:45 am - 10:05 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
10:10 am - 10:40 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.
10:45 am - 12:00 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.
12:05 pm - 12:25 pm

Main Room

Delivering leaner, more efficient services

Yogita Popat

Programme Director, Strategy, Culture and Sustainability
London Borough of Barnet

As local governments face ongoing financial challenges, this session will explore how data, digital tools, and technology can drive leaner, more efficient boroughs. With savings becoming harder to find and spending pressures increasing, ...

As local governments face ongoing financial challenges, this session will explore how data, digital tools, and technology can drive leaner, more efficient boroughs. With savings becoming harder to find and spending pressures increasing, we need innovative solutions. This session will discuss what those solutions are and how we, as a sector, can implement them collaboratively.
12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Main Room

Case study – From zero to digital transformation at scale

Nathan Pierce

Chief Digital and Innovation Officer
Haringey Council

Faced with increasing funding gaps, local authorities are looking to digital transformation to modernize and streamline services. This case study will cover how one council rapidly built an in-house digital team to drive their transforma...

Faced with increasing funding gaps, local authorities are looking to digital transformation to modernize and streamline services. This case study will cover how one council rapidly built an in-house digital team to drive their transformation. From the benefits of shifting from disparate projects run by external consultants to a dedicated internal team for sustainable digital transformation to how to practically establish a full internal team and create a culture of innovation, this presentation will share lessons learned and tangible examples along the journey of zero to transformation as scale.
12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
1:15 pm - 1:50 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.
2:05 pm - 2:35 pm

Main Room

Speed exchange – Peer-to-peer learning in action

Dive into a dynamic and engaging format designed to spark meaningful conversations and foster peer to peer connections. In this session, attendees will participate in four 10-minute blocks of informal discussions, each focused on differe...

Dive into a dynamic and engaging format designed to spark meaningful conversations and foster peer to peer connections. In this session, attendees will participate in four 10-minute blocks of informal discussions, each focused on different topic or challenge relevant to digital transformation in local government. This fast-paced, interactive experience encourages peer-to-peer learning, idea sharing, and collaborative problem-solving. Whether you’re seeking fresh perspectives, practical solutions, or simply a chance to connect with like-minded professionals, this session is the perfect opportunity to learn, network, and grow together.
2:40 pm - 3:25 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
3:30 pm - 4:45 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.
4:50 pm - 5:30 pm

Main Room

AI in local government – Beyond the hype

Andy Kennell

Service Director ICT
Somerset Council

Melanie Rose

Director of IT and Digital Services
Islington Council

Emma Rudd

Head of Digital Transformation
Kent County Council

Andy Brammall

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

With AI technologies moving beyond hype and towards practical implementation in local governments, this panel discussion explores how local authorities can move towards meaningful adoption of this exciting tool.

The session will e...

With AI technologies moving beyond hype and towards practical implementation in local governments, this panel discussion explores how local authorities can move towards meaningful adoption of this exciting tool.

The session will explore:
• Real-world examples of AI applications in local government, including lessons learnt from key initiatives
• Frameworks for responsible AI governance, including risk assessments, supplier policies, and compliance
• Strategies for ethical AI adoption including ensuring data security, and addressing concerns around job displacement and digital exclusion
• Guidance on enhancing organizational readiness through staff training, establishing AI boards, and leveraging tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot
• Methods to assess the financial savings, efficiency gains, and improved service delivery achieved through AI implementation in local government
5:30 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.
12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Breakout Room 1

Case study – Seamless connectivity for all: how OpenRoaming Wi-Fi networks can tackle data poverty and drive digital inclusion

David Wilkins

Head of Smart City
Westminster City Council

This case study explores Westminster’s pioneering Connected London Wi-Fi initiative, which leverages OpenRoaming technology to create a seamless, city-wide public Wi-Fi experience. By enabling users to automatically connect across mult...

This case study explores Westminster’s pioneering Connected London Wi-Fi initiative, which leverages OpenRoaming technology to create a seamless, city-wide public Wi-Fi experience. By enabling users to automatically connect across multiple networks without repeated logins, the project addresses the fragmentation of public Wi-Fi and provides a practical, low-cost solution to data poverty. The presentation will share key lessons from the pilot, demonstrate how seamless connectivity can empower residents and visitors, and offer actionable insights for councils and cities aiming to increase digital inclusion and bridge the connectivity gap.
12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Breakout Room 2

Case study – Empowering digital champions to drive innovation and collaboration across organisations

Sarah Chamberlain

Director of IT & Programmes
BCP Council

Discover how BCP Council’s Digital Champions programme is transforming digital adoption and service delivery across the organisation. Discover how to build a thriving network of Digital Champions, who drive innovation, mentor colleague...

Discover how BCP Council’s Digital Champions programme is transforming digital adoption and service delivery across the organisation. Discover how to build a thriving network of Digital Champions, who drive innovation, mentor colleagues, and act as first responders to digital queries. Learn how a council-wide, bottom-up strategy has accelerated digital transformation—saving time, improving services, and fostering a culture of empowerment and collaboration and gain practical insights and actionable strategies to empower your own Digital Champions and drive digital excellence in your council.

19 November 2025

8:45 am - 8:50 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Nadira Hussain

Chief Executive Officer
SOCITM

Welcome to Day 2 of the Local Government Partnership Network.
8:50 am - 9:30 am

Main Room

Panel discussion - Balancing innovation and budget constraints in local government

Kevin Taylor

Senior IT Manager
Suffolk County Council

David Bowles

Chief Information Officer
Portsmouth City Council

Martin Chalmers

Director of Digital, Data and Technology
Slough Borough Council

Eddie Copeland

Director
London Office of Technology & Innovation

Local authorities face the challenge of driving digital innovation while grappling with tight budgets and financial constraints. This panel will explore this balancing act which requires strategic thinking, creative resource allocation, ...

Local authorities face the challenge of driving digital innovation while grappling with tight budgets and financial constraints. This panel will explore this balancing act which requires strategic thinking, creative resource allocation, and a focus on high-impact, cost-effective solutions to ensure continued progress in digital transformation. It will cover:

• The importance of prioritising citizen-centric solutions that directly address residents’ needs through self-service solutions and automation to maximise impact while minimising costs
• How to foster a culture of innovation, empowering employees to propose, develop and optimise their use of digital technologies internally to drive transformation and facilitate efficiencies under increasing workloads.
• Strategies for reallocating resources to fund digital initiatives, whilst leveraging cross-departmental collaboration to maximise existing budgets.
• How to effectively measure the impact of innovation initiatives, ensuring that limited funds are directed towards the most effective projects.
9:30 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

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

Main Room

Case study – Bridging the digital skills gap: from competence development to cyber security

Darren Everden

Head of Technology
Hillingdon Council

With digital transformation front of mind for many local authorities, many still face the challenge of upskilling their workforce to meet the demands of their new technologies. This case study explores innovative strategies to address th...

With digital transformation front of mind for many local authorities, many still face the challenge of upskilling their workforce to meet the demands of their new technologies. This case study explores innovative strategies to address the digital skills gap within local government teams, focusing on cyber security and the adoption of new technologies. By leveraging targeted benchmarking and training programs, and implementing cutting-edge tools like generative AI, Darren demonstrates how his team is building resilience and fostering digital competence across diverse workforce segments.
10:20 am - 10:40 am

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
10:45 am - 11:45 am

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.
11:50 am - 12:30 pm

Main Room

Panel discussion – Digital inclusion as the cornerstone of effective and equitable digital transformation

Becky Chapman

Chief Digital and Innovation Officer
Westminster City Council

Karolina Majkowska

Digital Inclusion and Training Lead
Royal Borough of Greenwich

Emma Sharpe

Digital Programme Manager
Brent Council

As public services increasingly move online, creating equitable access becomes essential to prevent marginalizing vulnerable populations. Digital inclusion is a critical foundation for local government digital transformation, ensuring th...

As public services increasingly move online, creating equitable access becomes essential to prevent marginalizing vulnerable populations. Digital inclusion is a critical foundation for local government digital transformation, ensuring that technological advancements serve all community members, regardless of their current digital capabilities.

This panel will explore:

• The importance of balancing digital-first approaches with traditional service delivery
• How to effectively embed digital inclusion principles into digital transformation efforts up front, ensuring accessibility for both customers and staff
• Techniques for maximising social value opportunities within new and existing technology contracts to support digital inclusion initiatives without the need for additional budget
• Methods for empowering local organisations to become digital champions through training programs and partnerships, extending your reach beyond limited internal resources
• Assessing the real-world impact of digital inclusion efforts by understanding individual motivators for digital engagement, from education to accessing essential services
12:35 pm - 12:55 pm

Main Room

Case study – Defining what good looks like: Tower Hamlets’ journey to exemplar status

Stephen Halsey

Chief Executive
Tower Hamlets Council

Redefining excellence in local government by focusing on what “good” looks like in digital transformation is a critical step for success. Learn about this council’s ambitious journey-from fragmented practices to a unified, exemplar...

Redefining excellence in local government by focusing on what “good” looks like in digital transformation is a critical step for success. Learn about this council’s ambitious journey-from fragmented practices to a unified, exemplar approach-highlighting the critical role of robust data infrastructure, cultural change, and empowered leadership. This session will share practical insights from Tower Hamlets’ ongoing investment in data management, the challenges of aligning diverse departments, and the importance of using data proactively to drive service innovation and value for residents.
12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote – Digital opportunities and local government reform

Jonathan Stephenson

Chief Executive
Brentwood Borough and Rochford District Council

This session summary is currently being prepared.
1:15 pm - 1:20 pm

Main Room

Chairs' closing remarks
1:20 pm - 2:00 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.
9:55 am - 10:15 am

Breakout Room 1

Case study – Bringing IT in-house to transform digital services

Sherrill Holder

Assistant Director of ICT
Gloucestershire County Council

Jim Donaldson

Head of Service Management
Gloucestershire County Council

There are many ways to conduct digital transformation projects, from working with external suppliers to hiring internal talent. This case study will explore how one council successfully transitioned its ICT services from outsourced provi...

There are many ways to conduct digital transformation projects, from working with external suppliers to hiring internal talent. This case study will explore how one council successfully transitioned its ICT services from outsourced providers to an in-house model, driving efficiency, innovation, and improved user experiences. From the decision-making process, to effectively establishing an in-house innovation team and developing internal expertise, this presentation will share key lessons learned along the journey of transitioning digital in-house.
9:35 am - 9:55 am

Breakout Room 2

Case study – Lessons from the private sector for local government digital transformation

Nickki Johns

Head of Digital
Vale of Glamorgan Council

In this presentation, Nickki Johns, a seasoned digital leader with over two decades of private sector experience across industries like retail, financial services, and technology, will explore how local councils can adopt private sector ...

In this presentation, Nickki Johns, a seasoned digital leader with over two decades of private sector experience across industries like retail, financial services, and technology, will explore how local councils can adopt private sector strategies to accelerate their digital transformation. From leveraging cutting-edge technologies to fostering a culture of innovation and agility, this case study will share actionable insights on mindset shifts, collaboration techniques, and customer-centric approaches to modernise services, enhance efficiency, and deliver better outcomes for their communities.

Day 1
Day 2

LGPN SOUTH 2025 AGENDA

18 – 19 November, Radisson Blu, Edwardian, Heathrow

Delivering tangible solutions for the public sector

LGPN SOUTH 2025 AGENDA

18 November 2025

8:00 am - 8:45 am

Main Room

Registration

8:45 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Nadira Hussain

Chief Executive Officer SOCITM

9:00 am - 9:40 am

Main Room

The road ahead – Shaping the future of digital in local government

Rehana Ramesh

Director - ICT, Digital and Customer Service London Borough of Hackney

Mark Lumley

Director Digital, IT & Resilience London Borough of Hounslow

Jens Gemmel

Public Sector Reformist

Owen Pritchard

Head of Cyber, Digital and Technology LGA

9:45 am - 10:05 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

10:10 am - 10:40 am

Main Room

Dragon's den - Speed presentations

10:45 am - 12:00 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

12:05 pm - 12:25 pm

Main Room

Delivering leaner, more efficient services

Yogita Popat

Programme Director, Strategy, Culture and Sustainability London Borough of Barnet

12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Main Room

Case study – From zero to digital transformation at scale

Nathan Pierce

Chief Digital and Innovation Officer Haringey Council

12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

1:15 pm - 1:50 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

2:05 pm - 2:35 pm

Main Room

Speed exchange – Peer-to-peer learning in action

2:40 pm - 3:25 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

3:30 pm - 4:45 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

4:50 pm - 5:30 pm

Main Room

AI in local government – Beyond the hype

Andy Kennell

Service Director ICT Somerset Council

Melanie Rose

Director of IT and Digital Services Islington Council

Emma Rudd

Head of Digital Transformation Kent County Council

Andy Brammall

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

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Main Room

Hotel check-in/free time

7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Main Room

Drinks reception & networking dinner

12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Breakout Room 1

Case study – Seamless connectivity for all: how OpenRoaming Wi-Fi networks can tackle data poverty and drive digital inclusion

David Wilkins

Head of Smart City Westminster City Council

12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Breakout Room 2

Case study – Empowering digital champions to drive innovation and collaboration across organisations

Chief Executive Officer
SOCITM

Director - ICT, Digital and Customer Service
London Borough of Hackney

Director Digital, IT & Resilience
London Borough of Hounslow

Head of Cyber, Digital and Technology
LGA

Programme Director, Strategy, Culture and Sustainability
London Borough of Barnet

Chief Digital and Innovation Officer
Haringey Council

Service Director ICT
Somerset Council

Director of IT and Digital Services
Islington Council

Head of Digital Transformation
Kent County Council

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

Head of Smart City
Westminster City Council

Director of IT & Programmes
BCP Council

Chief Executive Officer
SOCITM

Senior IT Manager
Suffolk County Council

Chief Information Officer
Portsmouth City Council

Director of Digital, Data and Technology
Slough Borough Council

Director
London Office of Technology & Innovation

Head of Technology
Hillingdon Council

Chief Digital and Innovation Officer
Westminster City Council

Digital Inclusion and Training Lead
Royal Borough of Greenwich

Digital Programme Manager
Brent Council

Chief Executive
Tower Hamlets Council

Chief Executive
Brentwood Borough and Rochford District Council

Assistant Director of ICT
Gloucestershire County Council

Head of Service Management
Gloucestershire County Council

Head of Digital
Vale of Glamorgan Council