Programme


09:00 - 09:30

Registration

09:30 - 09:35

Opening remarks

09:35 - 10:05

Opening keynote: Driving progress - How workforce and culture change propelled Liverpool's improvement journey

  • Leadership and governance – openness, transparency and getting the essentials right
  • Transforming the culture – taking an evidence and programme management approach
  • Reputation management – overcoming the barriers to recruitment and retention

Jacqui McKinlay, chief operating officer, Liverpool City Council  

10:05 - 10:25

Building an Inclusive Future: DEIB Insights from Indeed and Durham Council

 This panel brings together leaders from Indeed and Durham Council to discuss the evolving role of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and   Belonging (DEIB) in the workplace. Panelists will share personal perspectives, challenges faced, lessons learned, and how DEIB   principles are shaping future initiatives at Durham Council.

 Kevin Johnston, senior account executive, Indeed

 Donna Palmer,  resourcing lead, Durham Council

 Joanna Coppillie,  strategic OD, talent management and resourcing manager, Durham Council

10:25 - 10:35

Move to live judging

10:35 - 10:55

Awards live judging - Slot 1

Best place to work
Breckland DC

Where People Thrive

Best wellbeing innovation
South Cambridgeshire DC

Four-day week trial

Smart working
Greater Manchester Business Compliance Support

Best equality, diversity and inclusion employer

Hackney LBC
A fairer Hackney

10:55 - 11:15

Awards live judging - Slot 2

Best place to work
Salford City Council

Best wellbeing innovation
Stockport MBC

Stockport Council’s Wellbeing Champions

Smart working
Hackney LBC

OpenMarket.London

Best equality, diversity and inclusion employer

Tower Hamlets LBC
Workforce to Reflect the Community

11:15 - 11:35

Awards live judging - Slot 3

Best place to work
Stockport MBC

Empowering Excellence at Stockport Council

Best wellbeing innovation
Waltham Forest LBC

Smart working
Surrey CC

SWOT - Smart Working Occupational Therapy (OT)

Best equality, diversity and inclusion employer

East Hampshire DC
An inclusive office for all

11:35 - 11:55

Networking refreshments

11:55 - 12:15

Awards live judging - Slot 4

Best place to work
Southampton City Council

Building the Southampton Family

Best wellbeing innovation
West Northamptonshire Council

Virtual Walking Challenge - River Nene: Source to Sea!

Smart working
Westminster City Council with Veolia

Westminster City Council and Veolia’s EAV bike fleet

Best equality, diversity and inclusion employer

West Sussex CC
Inclusive recruitment in public health

12:15 - 12:35

Awards live judging - Slot 5

Best place to work

Stroud DC
Building a Workplace of Choice

Best wellbeing innovation

Calderdale MBC
Wellbeing is more than just fruit on the table

Smart working

Barnsley MBC
Enabling Barnsley

12:35 - 12:55

Awards live judging - Slot 6

Best place to work

Lichfield DC
Being A Better Council

Best wellbeing innovation

Cambridgeshire CC
Wellbeing and support for all

Smart working

Newham LBC
ILSS Trusted Assessors

12:55 - 13:05

Live judging ends

13:05 - 13:45

Panel discussion: Key workforce management challenges for 2024-25

  • Recruitment and retention: schemes for attracting younger talent, offering competitive salaries, and methods to support mental health, adapting to hybrid work models
  • Embracing the future of workforce: leveraging digital tools and adapting to AI advancements, integrating AI into operational roles, adapting to AI’s impact on job roles and recruitment processes
  • Using data analysis to identify recruitment pain points, design inclusive interventions, and track their success

Polly Cziok , executive director of innovation & change, Merton LBC
Joy Hume , head of equality, diversity and inclusion, Waltham Forest LBC
Rob Polkinghorne, chief executive, Cheshire East Council

13:45- 14:30

Lunch arrival and networking

14:30 - 14:45

Welcome speech

14:45 - 15:05

Keynote: Building a more inclusive and connected workforce

  • Redefining inclusivity: beyond race and gender
  • Real-life examples and takeaways: learning from last year’s success stories
  • Creating a supportive environment: from induction to community awareness

Kath O'Dwyer , chief executive, St Helens

15:05 - 16:20

Lunch served

16:20 - 17:05

Awards presentation

17:05 - 17:45

Close