President's Conference 2026

A warm welcome awaits when you sign in and get your delegate pass. Start as you mean to go on and get networking, as well as helping yourself to refreshments – including breakfast pastries.

Socitm President Kurt Frary will welcome everyone and kick things off; setting the scene for an exciting conference. He’ll share his thoughts and reflect on 12 months of leading the President’s Team, as well as present an overview of the transformative work he’s been undertaking at Norfolk in support of LGR.

Kurt Frary, Head of IT/CTO, Norfolk County Council

Our opening keynote offers a candid view of what effective leadership looks like across the most senior levels of local public service delivery. Strong political and executive alignment creates clarity of purpose, accelerates decision-making and delivers better outcomes for people and communities. But it doesn’t just happen by itself. Learn about the transformative journey Derby City Council have been on and the achievements they have realised as a result of working in unison.

Paul Simpson, Chief Executive, Derby City Council

Cllr Dhindsa Hardyal, Derby City Council

Nadira Hussain and Sam Smith will share a lively showcase celebrating our community’s 40-year journey — and where we’re heading next. They’ll kick off with a quick, interactive look back, before spotlighting how members like you are using Socitm to deliver real value. There’ll be hints at where to go next and set up day 2 which is focused on a new era of local public service delivery.

Nadira Hussain, CEO, Socitm,

Sam Smith, Institute Director, Socitm

Gather your thoughts from the morning sessions so far over refreshments and snacks. Connect with colleagues from the public and private sectors.

Chaired by the amazing Maddie Hoskins, this senior-level panel brings together experienced leaders to explore the current state of the local government sector and what it means for how we operate in the years ahead. The discussion will consider the implications for officers, political leaders and senior teams, as well as the capabilities, behaviours and approaches needed to lead effectively through ongoing reform and change.

2025’s Partner of the Year offers members AI-assisted workflows. Netcall won last year for their impact but also for their relationship-building. They’re essential allies, leveraging their expertise, technologies, and unwavering commitment to supporting members.

Netcall

28 million of us live in places with strategic authorities. As this number is set to grow, let’s explore how Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) are convening partners to deliver for communities. Drawing on practical experiences, we’ll examine how MSAs are bringing together local government, public services, business, and other stakeholders to operate at scale, align priorities and drive collective outcomes. What does this approach mean for for the future of leadership?

We know how important these sections of a conference are. It’s time to make new connections, say hello to colleagues across the sector you’ve not seen for some time and reflect on the morning over lunch. Keep the conversation going and enjoy further food for thought.

Decision time. Pick the topics that you, your team, and potentially your whole organisation, will get the most from. You’ll have plenty of interesting and topical workshops to choose from, all providing an opportunity to reference case studies, learn from (and question) partners, and take away ‘what works’.

Gather your thoughts from your focus sessions over refreshments and snacks. Connect with colleagues from the public and private sectors.

Support the first Top Talent cohort of 2026 in the final session of their leadership course. Through personal, honest reflections, they’ll share their experiences since participating in the course and what it’s meant for their confidence, capability and leadership. You know that developing people is our passion and fundamental to shaping the future talent pipeline for the sector.

In Kurt’s penultimate act as President, he’ll highlight the key take-aways from the day. We want you to leave day 1 motivated, energised and informed. Looking forward to an equally inspiring day 2.

Members, join together for Socitm’s AGM, followed by the formal handover of the Presidency from Kurt Frary to Yogita Popat. More than a statutory moment, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the leadership that has shaped Socitm to this point and to welcome the vision and direction for the year ahead.

A warm welcome awaits when you sign in and get your delegate pass. Start as you mean to go on and get networking, as well as helping yourself to refreshments – including breakfast pastries.

In her first Presidential act, Yogita Popat will welcome everyone and set the scene for our second day. She’ll share her thoughts, and experiences from Barnet as they embark upon their modernisation journey. What are Yogita’s ambitions for her presidential term and next 12 months leading the society?

Yogita Popat, Programme Director, Strategy, Culture and Sustainability, Barnet Council

Our futurologist will offer a perspective on the technologies and trends shaping the future of our organisations and public services.

What will the next generation expect from their local governments? This TED-style talk dives into the future of citizen experiences, exploring how digital assistants and AI-driven services will redefine public engagement. Learn how to build robust data foundations today to support the societal challenges of tomorrow, and discover how to create services that are not just functional but delightful for the citizens of the future.

Our future leaders and (our and their) personal development is critical. You’ll be the first to hear the launch of Socitm’s evolving leadership support: we’ll outline how to guide current and potential leaders with the skills, confidence and connections needed to lead through complexity and change. How will we define what ‘work’ is in the future? What does the public sector workforce of the future look like? Meet young people to hear their perspectives on the future of work, the impact of technology and their ambitions for local government – and why they would (or wouldn’t) choose a career in local public service. What are their expectations and what should we do to prepare for a very different environment?

Dell and CDW

A powerful testimony from the first Empowering Women cohort of 2026, highlighting the ongoing need to support and accelerate women into DDaT roles. This session shares personal stories of growth, challenge and achievement, demonstrating how targeted development and opportunity can transform careers — and the sector as a whole. For some in the cohort this’ll be their first public presentation. It’s a big stage but you’re the ideal audience. You know that developing people is fundamental to shaping the future of the sector.

Gather your thoughts from the morning sessions so far over refreshments and snacks. Connect with colleagues from the public and private sectors.

Chaired by Professor Steve Griggs, this discussion challenges our partners to showcase how they can help drive better outcomes in local government. You’ll hear bold commitments, explore opportunities for collaboration, and see the pledges partners are making to work with the public sector for the greater good – putting the spotlight firmly on accountability and impact.

Steve Griggs, Professor of Digital, Tech, Innovation and Business at the University of Staffordshire

AWS | Netcall | Kerv

A fast-paced, interactive session with leaders sharing quick, five-minute insights on the future of leadership, culture, and operating model, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas, giving you multiple perspectives in a short space of time and sparking discussion across the room.

Listen to and join this interactive roundtable to understand how emerging technology is shaping local government’s future. You’ll hear from national and local experts, including representatives from MHCLG, councils, and research institutions, on how these innovations are transforming operations, decision-making, and citizen outcomes. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to collaborate and gain practical takeaways.

New Socitm president Yogita Popat closes the conference with reflections from the two days, celebrating achievements and insights, and highlighting Socitm’s role in supporting members and partners. Delegates will be inspired to take forward ideas and connections to shape the future of local government leadership and collaboration.

Yogita Popat, Programme Director, Strategy, Culture and Sustainability, Barnet Council

Your last opportunity to make new connections, say hello to colleagues across the sector you’ve not seen for some time and reflect on the whole conference. Keep the conversation going and enjoy further food for thought.