Programme

The programme is currently under development and if you are interested in contributing to it, please contact Jenny Vyas at Jenny.Vyas@emap.com

The event will feature panel sessions covering:

  • Defining what good digital government looks like
  • Beyond LGR and transformation: starting from zero
  • From lip service to line item – turning ambition into delivery
  • Procurement to enable transformation
  • Guardrails for generative AI in government
  • Looking ahead - emerging opportunities & future trends

The programme will also showcase practical case studies focused on:

  • Data foundations & decision-making
  • AI & automation applied to real services

09:15 - 09:45

Registration

09:45

Chair’s Opening Remarks: Kirsty Weakley, Head of Content/News Editor, Local Government Chronicle

09:50

Opening keynote: Defining what good digital government looks like

  • Digital inclusion strategy at scale (devices, connectivity, skills; social-tariff identification and awareness)
  • Data-sharing enablers/standards (council–NHS–DWP; timeliness and lawful basis clarity

Together stage

10:20

Panel Discussion: Beyond Transformation: Starting from Zero

Breaking free: Using reform as an opportunity for fresh thinking

  • LGR & operating models: from platform consolidation to service redesign; managing skills crunch.
  • System-wide collaboration across devolved areas: growing your own model, digital standards
  • Advantages and disadvantages of different platforms

Martin Reeves, Chief Executive, Oxfordshire CC
Karen Bradford, Chief Executive, South Kesteven DC
Jonathan Stephenson, Chief Executive, Brentwood BC and Rochford DC

Together stage

11:00

Morning refreshments and networking break

11:30 - 12:15

Panel Discussion: From lip service to line item – turning ambition into delivery

How do local leaders turn digital ambition into funded, sustained change?

This session explores how councils are winning the argument for investment, embedding digital in core budgets, and building the culture and capability to deliver it.

Panellists will share lessons on leadership, narrative, and evidence — from proving value to building confident, connected workforces.

Digital leadership Stage

Case Studies: Data foundations & decision-making

Platforms, data lakes, and shared models enabling insight, prevention and reuse (Snowflake; city data lake; ERP insight ambitions).

Digital innovation Stage

Interactive round tables working on service design challenges and innovative solutions

Session summary and outcomes

Service design workshop zone

12:15 - 12:35

Case study

Digital leadership Stage

Case study

Digital innovation Stage

Networking zone

Service design workshop zone

12:35

Lunch and networking break

13:35 - 14:15

Panel Discussion: Procurement to enable transformation

This session unpacks how procurement can be a strategic lever for long-term transformation. What questions to ask, distinguishing substance from sales theatre and demand genuine evidence.

Making procurement choices that shape future operating models, not just systems. We will learn how buying decisions must support a coherent, long-term digital direction while building strategic partnerships with suppliers who can support transformation and deliver measurable outcomes.

Georgina Maratheftis , Associate Director, Local Public Services, Tech UK

Chris Wales, Director of Digital Innovation, Brighton & Hove City Council

Emma Toms , Digital Business Partner, Essex CC

Harold Talbot-Tomlinson , Procurement Lead, South Derbyshire DC

Digital leadership Stage

Case studies: AI & automation applied to real services

Practical AI to augment casework, speed documentation (e.g., social care notes), automate planning steps, drive productivity (Copilot), and power citizen-facing services (Report It).

Digital innovation Stage

Interactive round tables working on service design challenges and innovative solutions

Session summary and outcomes

Service design workshop zone

14:20 - 14:40

Case study

Digital leadership Stage

Case study

Digital innovation Stage

Networking zone

Service design workshop zone

14:40

Networking break

15:00

Panel discussion: Guardrails for generative AI in government

What legal, ethical and assurance frameworks does local government need to put in place?

What are the risks of legal challenges to the use of AI in council services?

Aneeka Muneer, President of LLG and Head of Litigation/Deputy Monitoring Officer, Calderdale MBC

Annie Radcliffe, Adviser (Digital) - Cyber, Digital & Technology, Local Government Association

Yasmine Hajji, Senior Research Analyst, Socitm

Together stage

15:40

Closing keynote: Looking ahead - emerging opportunities & future trends

This keynote will give delegates a clear view of practical insight into the opportunities, technologies and partnership models that will be needed over the next three years to enable local government to navigate change and deliver the next generation of public services.

Eddie Copeland, Director, LOTI

Together stage

16:10

Chair’s Closing Remarks

Together stage