Please be advised, programme details are subject to change
Thursday 8th of September
11:30 – 12:30
Registration & Lunch
12:30 – 12:40
Welcome
Welcome to the conference from Ian Bancroft.
Speaker: Ian Bancroft, Solace Wales Chair and Chief Executive at Wrexham County Borough Council.
12:40 – 13:00
Introduction & Expectations
During this session we will split the delegates into 3 groups.
You will be discussing the conference programme, what your expectations are, and the personal objectives you would like to achieve. We will also be asking what you are going to give to the conference and how you can best contribute to the discussions taking place.
13:10 – 13:25
An Introduction to Solace Wales
An introduction to the conference and the role of Solace Wales.
Speaker: Ian Bancroft, Solace Wales Chair and Chief Executive at Wrexham County Borough Council.
13:25 – 13:40
One Public Service; Welsh Government Vision
Keynote Speaker
Dr Andrew Goodall will be discussing what are the government’s ask of local authorities whilst looking at how we work collaboratively to achieve one public service.
Speaker: Dr Andrew Goodall CBE, Permanent Secretary to the Welsh Government.
Chair: Ian Bancroft, Solace Wales Chair and Chief Executive at Wrexham County Borough Council.
13:40 – 14:10
Challenges in Public Service and a Look to the Future
Keynote Speaker
In this session we will hear from an inspirational keynote speaker who will share insights to their leadership journey during their time working in local government, the challenges they have faced and the lessons they have learnt. We will also be discussing the future challenges we are facing, and how to approach these.
Speaker: Kath O’Dywer, Chief Executive, St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council.
14:10 – 14:25
Refreshments
14:25 – 15:30
World Café Discussions
Opportunities & Challenges in Public Service Leadership
During this session, we will be asking you to again split into 3 groups to discuss the challenges and opportunities leaders working in the public service face and what role Solace Wales can take in supporting you, your organisation and the sector.
As you make your way round each table, we encourage you to note your discussions on the writable table cloths so we can take your comments, thoughts and ideas away and write these up for us to share with you after the event.
15:30 – 15:55
What skills do Leaders need for the future?
Panel Session
We invite our panel to discuss the skills that leaders need for the future and successful navigation of the public sector in Wales.
Speakers:
Kath O’ Dwyer, Chief Executive, St Helens Council
Dr Chris Llewelyn, Chief Executive, WLGA
Chair: Rob Thomas, Chief Executive, Vale of Glamorgan Council.
15:55 – 16:15
Developing Skills & Innovation
Keynote Speaker
In this session we will be discussing how we develop the skills we have identified leaders need and the innovation work taking place within Wales.
Speaker: Paul Matthews, Chief Executive, Monmouthshire County Council.
Chair: Christina Harrhy, Chief Executive, Caerphilly County Borough Council
16:15 – 16:35
The Political Landscape of Wales and its Future
Keynote Speaker
In this session we will be sharing his insights into the current political landscape in Wales, whilst looking at what the future may bring.
16:35 – 16:50
Refreshments
16:50 – 17:35
The role of Executive Coaching in Public Service Leadership
Leadership Workshop Session 1
Facilitated by: Alison Holland, Director, Leaderful Action.
17:35 – 18:20
One Public Service and School for Government
Leadership Workshop Session 2
Facilitated by: Academi Wales & Welsh Government.
19:30 – 22:30
Informal Buffet & Networking Evening
As part of your ticket, we would like to invite you to an evening of informal networking, taking place on Thursday 8th of September commencing at 19:30 with a buffet dinner served from 20:00.
Friday 9th of September
9:00 – 9:30
Arrival & Refreshments
9:30 – 10:15
Localism & Learning from Best Practice
Panel Session
This session will see speakers discuss the importance of localism and how we can continue to develop as leaders by learning from each other and deliver services based on best practice.
Speaker: Paul Matthews, Chief Executive, Monmouthshire County Council
Chair: Rob Thomas, Chief Executive, Vale of Glamorgan Council.
10:15 – 11:00
Keynote Speaker
Details coming soon.
11:00 – 11:15
Refreshments
11:15 – 12:00
The Role of Improvement in Public Service Leadership
Leadership Workshop Session 3
Facilitated by: Jo Hendy, Head of Improvement Programme at WGLA.
12:00 – 12:30
Reflections & Closing Remarks
Reflection on the conversations from throughout the conference, identify the key themes which have emerged and outline the immediate actions Solace Wales will take to support future leadership in Wales.
12:30 – 13:30
Networking Lunch
To complete our conference programme, we would like to invite you to stay for a bite to eat and informal networking before your travels.
We know some of you will have further to travel than others, so to avoid food wastage we would appreciate if you could let us know if you are able to stay a little longer and join us for lunch.
If you are joining us for lunch, please confirm your attendance by selecting this item during check out.
