Take a Peak at the 2026 Agenda Join senior leaders from across the Midlands to tackle the sector’s biggest challenges - through collaboration, insight and innovation.

Public sector leaders are operating in one of the most challenging environments in recent memory. Against a backdrop of fiscal pressure, rising demand, political uncertainty and increasing public expectations, what does effective leadership look like today?

Drawing on experience from across local government and the wider public sector, Rob Whiteman will explore the key trends shaping the leadership agenda, the attributes needed to navigate complexity and how leaders can create resilient, high-performing organisations in a rapidly changing world.

With local government reorganisation gathering pace across England, many councils are facing significant questions about governance, service delivery, culture and place leadership. This expert panel brings together the three Government LGR envoys who have all navigated major structural change.

Global events are having an increasingly direct impact on local communities. Whether responding to extreme weather, cyber threats, supply chain disruption or social tensions, councils are at the forefront of building resilience.

This session will explore the role of local government in preparing for and responding to emerging risks, strengthening community capacity and fostering trust.

As new unitary councils emerge, leadership teams will need to rethink the skills, capabilities and organisational cultures required for success. This interactive discussion will explore the changing demands placed on senior leaders and workforces in larger, more strategic organisations. From commercial acumen and systems leadership to digital transformation and place-based working, we will consider the capabilities that will define high-performing unitary authorities and how councils can develop them.

Diverse organisations are better equipped to innovate, understand their communities and deliver stronger outcomes. But how can leaders move beyond good intentions to create truly inclusive cultures that unlock the full potential of their workforce?

Simon will explore the practical and organisational benefits of diversity, equality and inclusion, highlighting the leadership actions that drive meaningful change and enable organisations to benefit from a wider range of perspectives, experiences and talents.

The public finance outlook will shape the operating environment for local government for years to come. In this timely session, leading economist and Forum regular Paul Johnson will provide an expert assessment of the UK's fiscal position, the pressures facing public spending and the implications for councils. Gain valuable insights into the economic context, likely policy choices of our new Chancellor, and what they could mean for local government funding, service delivery and long-term financial sustainability.

Artificial intelligence is moving rapidly from theory to practice, presenting councils with new opportunities to improve services, increase productivity and support better decision-making. But how can local authorities move beyond the hype and implement AI in ways that deliver real value while managing risk and maintaining public trust?

In this practical session, we will explore how councils are currently using AI, the lessons emerging from early adopters and the key considerations for successful implementation. Delegates will gain valuable insights into the opportunities, challenges and leadership decisions that will shape the future use of AI across local government.

The political landscape is changing, bringing new questions about the future direction of public policy, public services and local government. This session will examine what a Burnham Government could mean for councils, communities and place leadership.

From devolution and local growth to public service reform and funding, we will explore the likely priorities, opportunities and challenges that may emerge under a new administration. Join us for an informed and thought-provoking discussion on how local government can prepare for and influence the next chapter of national policy.