5 March 2026 | Kia Oval, London
Programme
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Registration and refreshments
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Welcome from Editor
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Session 1: "Safe and legal" and beyond?
Panel discussion
Can the urgency of LGR delivery become a catalyst for transformation rather than a brake on innovation? Leaders share lessons on balancing compliance, capacity, and ambition.
Getting the basics right - how to ensure new councils are safe and legal on day one; seizing the opportunity - how to ensure the demands of LGR do not prevent innovative solutions for our places
Speakers
Sponsor
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Session 2: Local by design: enabling our communities
Panel discussion
As councils scale up, how do they keep decisions close to communities? Leaders discuss empowering neighbourhoods, parish partnerships, and rural models that put “local” at the heart of transformation.
Speakers
Sponsor
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Session 3: OneCouncil - Your perfect ERP fit for LGR
Case study presentation
Speakers
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Networking break
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Session 4: Financing the future: business as usual
Panel discussion
How do you make sure new councils are financially viable from the start? Securing the savings from LGR. Examining fiscal resilience, investment, and how to fund transformation beyond the restructure.
How fair funding will impact new councils?
Speakers
Sponsor
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Session 5: Integration and disaggregation – practical solutions
Panel discussion
What happens after Day 1? Learn from real lessons from councils on integrating service post-LGR.
Award winning integration: Opportunities for planning from LGR -
Buckinghamshire Council was created in 2020 from four legacy districts and a County Council. The integration started 1 week before the first national Covid lockdown. Facing the challenges head on and working positively led to the Council being awarded Planning Service of the Year in 2023. This case study will explore the highs and lows of the integration journey including some important lessons and opportunities.
Lessons learnt from building a unified culture
Practical insights from Somerset Council into embedding a new culture within the newly formed council. Highlighting the importance of establishing shared values, the time and effort required to build a cohesive management team, and the challenges encountered throughout the process.
Speakers
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Lunch and Networking
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Session 6: Round table discussions
Pick a topic and join the relevant table to take part in the discussion led by our moderators
- How do we communicate change and build trust in our communities? Paul Cracknell, Norfolk CC
- How can digital support new councils and local democracy? Kate Spencer, Torbay Council
- How do we build effective partnerships beyond the public sector? Matt Gladstone, Peterborough City Council
- How can LGR improve sustainability? Helen Mitchell, Oxfordshire CC
- What is the impact of LGR on the LGPS? Martin George, LGC
- How do we strengthen leadership, culture, and morale? Sajeeda Rose, Nottingham City Council
- Mystery topic - Kirsty Weakley, LGC
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Session 7: Transition to transformation (Digital)
Panel discussion
How can we harness the innovation of digital to deliver the full potential of LGR? Exploring system integration, data use, and embedding digital into the new organisation’s DNA.
Speakers
Sponsor
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Refreshments break
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Session 8: Commissioning, contracts, and procurement
Panel discussion
How can new unitary structures reimagine procurement for efficiency and social value? This session explores smarter commissioning, partnership models, and opportunities for innovation in service delivery.
Speakers
Sponsor
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Session 9: How can LGR set up for Devolution success
Closing keynote
Is reorganisation a stepping-stone or distraction from devolution? What structure best positions places for powers and investment.
Speakers
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Closing remarks
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Drinks reception
Join the informal drinks reception sponsored by Cratus, F3 and 31Ten to carry on networking