Judges

Veteran of Whitehall (civil servant in various Departments), politics (special adviser) and the wider public policy world (think tank chief exec, LGA, public affairs and consultancy stints), with a particular focus on place-related policy and local government. 

Andrea is Director of Communications and Engagement at the Local Government Association, a role she took up in 2024. Reporting to the Chief Executive, she leads the organisation’s communications, engagement and campaigns activity, with responsibility for reputation, brand, media, digital, public affairs and strategic stakeholder engagement. Her work focuses on strengthening the LGA’s influence, supporting councils through a period of significant change, and ensuring local government’s voice is heard clearly in national policy debates.

Andrea is an experienced communications leader who has successfully transitioned between senior roles in government and the private sector. She previously served as Director of Communications at Surrey County Council, leading communications for 1.1 million residents, and before that held board-level roles at global corporation KBR. There, she led communications for a major corporate restructuring, developed a new brand and culture programme, and delivered an external affairs strategy that contributed to the company’s first share-price increase in over two years.

Earlier in her career, Andrea worked at the heart of government, supporting the Downing Street communications team and leading cross-government crisis communications for COBR. She was responsible for responses to some of the UK’s most high-profile incidents, including the 2007 London bombings and the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko, advising senior committees and managing intense global media scrutiny.

She later held senior roles at the Ministry of Defence and as Deputy Director of Communications at the National Police Chiefs’ Council, leading communications through major national policing crises including the 2011 London riots, the Leveson Inquiry, the London Olympics and the G8 Summit.

Andrea brings strong political judgement, board-level experience and deep expertise in campaigns and crisis communications. She is motivated by public service and thrives in roles where strategic communications can deliver meaningful impact.

Andrew has served as Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council since May 2023, during which time the council has successfully moved on from statutory intervention, and is accelerating on a radical journey of improvement. Before joining Liverpool, Andrew was Chief Executive of Cheshire West and Chester Council from 2018, following roles in economic development and local government in the North East of England. He started his career as an economist in HM Treasury. Andrew is also Chair of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, a board member of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, and lead chief executive for asylum and migration issues for the North West.

Angela is Chief Executive at Castle Point Borough Council in South Essex. Across her career she has worked in numerous public private partnerships on both sides of the sectoral divide, including leading more than twenty Gateway Reviews for Local Partnerships in the heady days of PFI and BSF.

Caroline is Director of Inclusive Economy in London Borough of Islington, leading its radical and progressive economic development programme – including leveraging social value through affordable workspace, shaping inclusive town centres and building inclusive practice in growth sectors. Previously, Caroline worked in Belfast City Council, where she led on major regeneration and conflict transformation programmes, brokering complex political and community deals, resulting in £150m+ investment in local neighbourhoods. She is currently a trustee at the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES), as well as chair of the Place sub-group of the Mayor’s London Anchor Institutions Network.

An experienced Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer across local and central government with considerable experience in transformation, improvement and recovery

Dan joined Essex Housing in 2017 and is currently Managing Director, overseeing an ambitious programme of residential development in Essex. Prior to this, he managed the ECC Cabinet Office and advised Cabinet Members on Housing, Economic Growth, Infrastructure and Finance. Dan is a qualified PRINCE2 and MSP Practitioner and has a degree in Politics. He has held various roles in communications, policy, strategy and project management to add to his eight years in development.

Dan O’Sullivan is the Head of Markets, Shop Fronts , Street Trading & Commercial Services at the London Borough of Hackney, where he has led one of the UK’s most awarded local government services.  A nationally recognised leader and winner of the 2025 LGC Rising Star Award, Dan has driven major commercial, economic and digital reforms — including the OpenMarkets London platform, now informing national licensing policy. He sits on the Mayor of London’s Markets Board and NABMA’s national board, advising HM Treasury, DBT and local authorities nationwide on inclusive economic growth, regulatory reform and place-based innovation.  

David became Chief Executive at South Gloucestershire Council in 2019, a Unitary Authority forming part of the West of England. He has over 20 years experience operating at Board Level and led the development of an ambitious £1 billion City Deal for the wider area, as well as being involved in the creation of the West of England Combined Authority. The council was the accountable body for the Western Gateway Powerhouse, and has an ambitious regeneration strategy for the District. David has a number of regional and national roles, including being a member of the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board. David is a qualified accountant, has a Masters in Business Administration, and is an LGA peer officer. He has a passion for improving the lives of young people, reducing child poverty, and seeking to increase educational attainment.

With an impressive background in local government, David Sidaway holds the post of Chief Executive of Telford & Wrekin Council, having joined the authority in 2020. 

David was the driving force behind the transformation of Telford Town Centre through the £250 million private and public sector Southwater development and recently through the £300m Station Quarter development in Telford Town Centre.  Since becoming Chief Executive with Telford & Wrekin Council in January 2020, David has successfully steered the authority through unprecedented times, leading the council’s response to two major incidents – severe flooding in February 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 – within only a few weeks of taking up his position. 

The council has secured back-to-back outstanding in Children’s Services through Ofsted, outstanding in SEND Services through Ofsted, good in Adult Social Care from CQC and all within the context of the lowest council tax in the Midlands.  Recent success for Telford & Wrekin Council is securing Council of the Year 2025 at the prestigious LGC Awards. 

Dawn Hudd is the CEO of Arun District Council in West Sussex, a role she started in July 2024.  Following a career which started in banking, after running a series of companies, Dawn joined local government in 2004 as the Economic Development Manager for Canterbury City Council.   Roles followed in Maidstone, Medway, Guildford and Waverley where she was Strategic Director – Place.

Dawn has a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, regeneration, place shaping and organisational change as well as a broad knowledge across a wide range of council services.  She is passionate about place and helping the Arun district achieve its full potential, working with her staff, elected members, partners and stakeholders to do this.

Outside work you will find Dawn on a yoga mat, listening to music or planning her next holiday.

Dawn Carter-McDonald was appointed Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service at Hackney Council in May 2024. With a local government career spanning more than 20 years, Dawn first started work at Hackney Council, and in the borough where she was born, after qualifying as a Solicitor. Between 2019 and 2023 Dawn transformed the Council’s legal services, significantly improved the Council’s governance services, and played a key role in the development and implementation of service delivery reforms. Dawn has always had a connection and passion for the Borough and its residents; she chose to give her commitment to the Public Sector as she wanted her legal expertise to be used for the benefit of local residents, and those most in need. She now leads the entire workforce, as Head of Paid Service, and her commitment to equity, diversity, belonging and transformation to ensure fair outcomes for all residents, continues to be a driver

Debbie Barnes was appointed to Chief Executive of Lincolnshire County Council on 1st January 2020. Prior to this, Debbie was Director of Children's Services and held this position since 2013. During her time as chief executive, Debbie has led the development of the ten year Corporate Plan for the Council and has driven through a one council approach, integrating service planning and delivery across the council and with partners. Starting her career as a children’s nurse, Debbie is passionate about the benefits of integrated health and care services to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities and address health inequalities.

Dennis Skinner has been Director of Improvement at the LGA since May 2011. He is responsible for the LGA’s improvement work including the peer challenge work, leadership training particularly for councillors, the Planning Advisory Service, One Public Estate and the Children’s Improvement programme Before this he was a Regional Associate at the IDeA covering London and the East of England and Assistant Chief Executive at Camden Council. Dennis also has over 30 years’ experience working in local government across a range of services including corporate policy, equalities, regeneration and community safety, business planning and communications.

Donna Manson became Chief Executive of Devon County Council in February 2023 and has since made Devon her permanent home. Now a proud Devon resident, she has embraced village life and is passionate about serving the communities that make the county so unique. Donna is dedicated to improving the lives of children, young people, and families across Devon, with a strong focus on transforming children’s social care and SEND services. Her leadership is grounded in an evidence-based approach and a deep commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring the Council is responsive, resilient, and ready for the future. As Chief Executive, Donna leads the strategic direction of Devon County Council, championing innovation and collaboration to meet the evolving needs of local residents. She oversees Corporate Services, including Democratic Services, Policy, Legal Services, Human Resources, and Finance, and is driving a renewed focus on People and Culture. This work is underpinned by the Council’s People Strategy, which reflects Devon’s values of care, kindness, and its commitment to delivering better outcomes and value for money for the people of Devon. Originally from Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland, Donna holds a Bachelor of Education from Moray House at the University of Edinburgh. She began her career in education, working in areas of deprivation and advocating for families facing inequality. Her leadership journey has spanned three Scottish councils, culminating in her role as Chief Executive of The Highland Council, Scotland’s largest rural authority, before joining Devon. Donna brings a wealth of experience in leading through change and building strong, place-based partnerships. Her vision for Devon is one of inclusive growth, community empowerment, and sustainable public services that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who live and work here.

Appointed as Chief Executive designate of the new Somerset Council on 3rd October 2022 Duncan focussed on the creation of the new Council for the first six months of his appointment. Since the successful vesting of the new Council Duncan continues to led the organisation and has focussed on developing the strategic and cultural aspects of the Council as well as supporting significant inward investments in Somerset as well as work on education improvements. Duncan is also a member of the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board. Before this Duncan was Chief Executive of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and heavily involved in many high-profile events including a significant role in delivering Operation London Bridge. This role also included significant work to stabilise the Council and tackle serious finance and governance issues. Duncan was also a Board Member of Frimley NHS ICB. Previously Duncan held a number of local government chief executive roles alongside a portfolio of non-executive board positions. Whilst a generalist by background Duncan was originally brought into local government to deliver large scale economic growth and regeneration, particularly estate, town and city centre programmes.

Georgia Chimbani is the Corporate Director for Health and Adult Social Care at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, where she fulfils the statutory duties of the Director of Adult Social Services and leads the strategic direction of adult social care and public health. A registered Social Worker, she holds a master’s degree from the University of Southampton and an ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring qualification.

With 30 years of experience in social care, Georgia has held senior leadership roles including Director of Adult and Community Services at Suffolk County Council, where she oversaw one of the CQC’s national pilot assessments, achieving a Good outcome.

Georgia is a long‑standing advocate for practitioner‑led research, evidence‑informed practice, and community empowerment. Her work is grounded in a commitment to equality, inclusion, and improving outcomes for people and communities.

She represents ADASS on the board and council of the European Social Network and serves on the board of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), contributing to the advancement of best practice in social care across the UK and Europe.

Gerard joined SCIE in 2020 and most recently served as Director of Transformation and Improvement. Gerard has led multi-million pound work programmes supporting local authorities and government departments with adult social care improvement and transformation, workforce development and knowledge management. Gerard has over 25 years of experience working in the statutory and charity sector. Before joining SCIE, Gerard was Director of Strategy, Impact and Transformation at Independent Age and before that was Director of Quality and Evidence at Healthwatch England within the Care Quality Commission.

Jason Strelitz leads work at the Health Foundation on shifting to a more prevention focussed model of public policy and services across national, local Government and the NHS across the UK. Until autumn 2025 he was Coporate Director of Adults, Health and Communities at Newham Council, being DASS and a DPH. A DPH by training, Jason has recently published a book on local Government in the pandemic, "Same storm, different boats: covid, community and how we come together, published by Hawksmoor Publishing.

John Hewitt was appointed to the role of Chief Executive, Durham County Council in December 2020 having previously been Corporate Director with responsibility for Resources at the council. Prior to moving to Durham County Council in 2016 as Corporate Director Resources, he was Corporate Director of Resources at South Tyneside Council, Deputy Chief Executive of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Head of Finance with Durham Constabulary, Head of Finance with Cleveland Police and an Accountant with Sedgefield Borough Council. John is responsible for the strategic management of the council, which has a gross expenditure budget of nearly £1.4 billion. Durham County Council is the largest council in the North East and the seventh largest in the UK, employing more than 10,000 staff. John is passionate about County Durham having been brought up in the area and has spent his entire working life in the region. He is focused on finding ways to improve Local Communities and improving their life prospects - helping people find sustainable employment in the County. John is currently overseeing the economic development of County Durham, with billions of pounds being invested in the county across the private and public sectors. John has also been responsible for leading change within the council with a focus on residents and businesses and striving to provide the services people want and need. John is also leading on devolution across the region. The visitor economy has topped £1 billion in the county and John is keen to further develop the unique cultural heritage that exists in the county and the region.

Jon Rouse is Chief Executive of Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Previously, he was Chief Officer at the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership and a Director-General at the Department of Health and Social Care. He is a Director of Bradford Children and Families Trust and sits on the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICS Board as a partner member and executive champion for children’s health. Jon is the SOLACE national lead for Housing, Planning and Infrastructure and a member of the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods.

Jonathan has worked within local government for over 25 years, predominantly undertaking senior leadership roles, across a range of different organisations, Ipswich Borough Council, The London Borough of Enfield, Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council. Jonathan is currently Joint Chief Executive at Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council. Working more widely in Essex he is also the lead CEO for Housing and Infrastructure for the Association of South East Essex Local Authorities (ASELA) and a Commission for the Essex Climate Action Committee. Jonathan also represents Solace (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers) at board level as a Non-Executive Director, and is on the DCN (District Council Network) national Chief Executive Group as a South East Region representative.

Julia has been Director of Public Health at Hull City Council since moving into local government in November 2013. She has been Deputy Chief Executive for since 2020.. She was one of the first Directors of Public Health to become Deputy CE in England. Julia became a Non-Executive Director for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust in October 2022. Julia’s background is in the NHS, starting her career in nursing in 1984. She worked in acute hospitals, primary care and later as a specialist respiratory nurse and senior NHS manager where she gained support to do the further study in public health that led to her to a successful career in public health including a period as Training Programme Director in Yorkshire and Humber. Julia takes a values driven approach to leadership and is experienced in personal and organisational development. Julia has held several regional roles including chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Association of Directors of Public health (YHADPH) during the pandemic response, an assessor for the United Kingdom Public Health Register (UKPHR) and regional advisor and assessor for the Faculty of Public Health. Julia was elected to the UK ADPH Board in 2023. She was one of the founding members of the Centre of Excellence for Tobacco Control for HNY ICB and co-chair of the population health and prevention board. Julia stepped back from her full-time role in Hull City Council in October 2025. She continues to contribute to regional and national public health leadership and to supporting personal and organisational change and improvement in the public sector.

Dr Justin Varney-Bennett is a dynamic, agile, and highly competent public health executive with multifaceted experience conceiving, developing, and launching programmes that aim to cure ailing communities through an emphasis on preventive care and accessibility.

In his current role as Regional Director of Public Health for the South West of England he works at the interface of the national Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, regional NHS executive, NHS integrated care boards and Local Government systems to achieve better outcomes for the population of the South West and connect national policy thinking to local realities of implementation. As part of his national responsibilities he is a senior public health advisor on a range of topics including Creative Health, Physical Inactivity, Obesity and Nutrition, Inclusion Health, LGBT Inequalities and Neighbourhood Health Systems.

Justin originally trained to be a general practitioner before transferring to public health medicine and his career to date has spanned local, regional, national and international public health systems including roles as National Lead for Adult and Older People's Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England, Director of Public Health for Birmingham City Council, Thinker in Residence at the University of Sydney and Policy Lead at Business in the Community. He holds an honorary chair at the Institute of Applied Research at the University of Birmingham and is an honorary Fellow of both the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine and the Faculty of Occupational Medicine. He is currently a Trustee of the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust and a Public Health Advisor to the Council of Health and Work.

Kate Blakemore is Chief Executive Officer at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, having taken up the role in September 2024. She brings nearly two decades of senior leadership experience across district councils, with a strong track record in organisational transformation, regeneration, and the delivery of complex public services.

Previously Strategic Director at East Suffolk Council and Great Yarmouth Borough Council, she has led wide-ranging portfolios including corporate services, environmental services, housing, regeneration, digital, HR, and major capital programmes. Beginning her career in Environmental Health, she has progressed through transformational and strategic leadership roles, combining operational expertise with system leadership.

She has also served as a Trustee and Committee Chair within the education sector and as Chair of a local authority trading company board, demonstrating strong governance and commercial acumen

Kathy O’Leary is the Chief Executive of Stroud District Council in Gloucestershire, which owns and manages a council housing stock of 5000 homes and serves 10,000 tenants. She has worked in Local Government for over 35 years, for county and district councils in Hampshire, Surrey and, since taking up her current post in November 2018, Gloucestershire. Kathy is the Solace spokesperson for the Environment and Climate Change portfolio and is the South West Chief Executive lead on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. She is passionate about public service and staff development, and is proud of the organisational culture she leads.

Kim has been Chief Executive of Brent Council since May 2023 and leads a workforce of around 2500 people, with a focus on delivering of corporate priorities. Before joining Brent, Kim had been Chief Executive of Lewisham Council where she led the council’s response to the global pandemic, and prior to that, she held a range of Corporate Director roles at Hackney Council, responsible for a large range of front facing services. Kim began her local government career in leisure services at Spelthorne Borough Council, moving on to work at Barnet Council before joining Hackney.  Kim was appointed by the Government as a Commissioner at Slough Borough Council in November 2025; she is also Deputy Chair of London’s Local Resilience Forum.

Louise Neilan is currently Assistant Director for Communications and Engagement at Thurrock Council, and also the Chair of LGcomms –a national membership body working to raise the standard of communications in the public sector. She has extensive experience in local government communications, having worked at Southwark Council, the Audit Commission, and other London Boroughs over her 25 year career. She believes passionately in the power of collaboration and networks to solve problems and support colleagues and communities, and has presented widely on learnings from crises, including the London Bridge and Borough terror attacks in 2017.

Mark has been a teacher, a local and regional government officer and a civil servant. He also runs the Leadership Centre, a charity committed to, er, leadership as the means of improving outcomes for communities. His abiding interests are excellence in public service and the preservation of record shops.

Mark Fowler has worked in local government since 1991, with over 12 years of experience at director level and above. He has led large teams and complex services across housing, social care, human resources, and community engagement. Mark joined Luton Borough Council in February 2022 as Corporate Director for Population Wellbeing and became Deputy Chief Executive in April 2023. He was formally appointed Chief Executive in July 2025. During his time at Luton, Mark led the Council’s 5-year Transformation Programme, delivering system-wide improvements and achieving significant financial savings. He also served as the corporate lead for tackling health inequalities, focusing on housing, social care, and place-based provision. As Chief Executive, Mark now oversees a council serving over 230,000 residents, with a workforce of approximately 2,700 employees. His leadership is central to advancing the Luton 2040 vision—a town-wide strategy aiming to make Luton a healthy, fair, and sustainable place where no one lives in poverty. Mark is passionate about improving outcomes for residents and tackling inequalities. His priorities include: • Ensuring access to secure housing and employment opportunities • Supporting community safety and wellbeing • Navigating funding challenges and rising service demand • Strengthening partnerships across sectors Mark is known for his collaborative leadership style and has earned praise for his commitment to meaningful change. Councillor Hazel Simmons MBE, Leader of the Council, described him as “genuinely passionate about improving the lives of our residents”.

Matt O’Neill is an accomplished public sector leader with over two decades of experience in economic development, regeneration, front line service delivery and strategic planning across Northern England. As the Executive Director of Growth and Sustainability at Barnsley Council, he leads initiatives in economic regeneration, planning, housing, culture, zero carbon, environment, transport, and regulatory services. Matt has driven transformative projects like Street Seam Digital Campus and Yorkshire Rose sculptures, and initiatives like Health on the High Street and Pathways to Work. He is known for his strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative approach.

Matt is Chief Executive & Head of Paid Service of Hull City Council, having been appointed in 2015. This followed his first move into the public sector, as Chief Operating Officer at Hull City Council, in December 2013.

Matt has overseen significant transformation at the Council since he took over, including the implementation of the very ambitious ‘Hull City Plan’, which he initially supported as a private sector partner, and which has currently catalysed over £3bn of public and private sector investment and created over 4,000 jobs.

Matt was also responsible for the Council’s delivery of the city’s highly successful UK City of Culture year in 2017, underpinning over £150m of inward investment and delivering what is widely acknowledged as the most successful City of Culture programme to-date.

He is also a Lay Member of Council at the University of Hull and is the Deputy Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Chief Executives Group and a Board Member of Humber Freeport.

Prior to working in the public sector, Matt worked for 20 years in the private sector in ports and logistics where he undertook a number of roles throughout the UK for Associated British Ports, the UKs largest port operator who own and operate 21 ports and terminals around the UK.

I am currently the Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council, and have held this position since January 2022. I have worked across central and local government in a range of roles. Prior to my current role I was the Executive Director for Place leading on the regeneration and growth agenda in Barnsley MBC. I have also undertaken corporate director roles and served as Assistant Chief Executive, together with a period working in the private sector on digital infrastructure. I've played key roles in shaping performance within local government and developing strong relationships with key partners in the business and voluntary sector to facilitate change and improvement. I have a real passion for driving up standards and performance and realising better outcomes and improving the culture within the organisation. I have also worked in the National Audit Office and have a very good understanding of finance and since then handling large and complex budgets. I currently have responsibility for overseeing and driving the improvement plan at Peterborough City Council.

Maxine is Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service at Breckland Council, leading over 300 staff to deliver essential local services. With 25+ years' leadership experience in both public and private sectors, and a background in HR, she is a CIPD Fellow passionate about people, performance, and change. In 2021, she led a major transformation at Breckland, creating a modern, flexible workplace with a culture that places people at the heart. A former Monitoring Officer, she now mentors senior officers and advises councils on workforce reform. In 2024, Maxine won MJ’s prestigious Chief Executive of the Year Award. She is now helping shape Norfolk’s future through the Local Government Reorganisation process.

Mel is the Executive Director of Adult Social Care, Housing and Homelessness in Somerset Council working as a system leader in health, social care and housing. Mel is also the chair of SW ADASS and the Use of Resources Co-Lead for ADASS. Mel joined Somerset in 2011 and held various roles within the council before becoming the DASS in Nov 2020. Housing has been a recent addition to her portfolio. Mel previously worked in BANES, Wiltshire, and Greenwich and began her career training as a registered nurse for people with a learning disability in Kent.

Mervin Cato is head of the Behaviour Support Service in Enfield and has worked in education for over 20 years. In 2018 Enfield Council launched Nexus, an initiative which aimed to reduce permanent exclusions and serious youth violence. Since then, permanent exclusions have decreased by 80% and serious youth violence by over 40%. This has allowed for the PRU to do more preventative work with individual students. Mervin along with the BSS team continues to connect with families, community leaders, head teachers, faith groups, charities, the police, local and national businesses, and educational organisations to support young people in Enfield. The NEXUS family has worked together to transform mindsets and to focus on improving young people’s aspirations, opportunities and ultimately their life chances. In his book, 'Your Family Needs You,' Mervin draws on both his family life and his educational experience to provide parents with practical advice on how to effectively support their children through the complexities of the school system.

Owen was appointed as CEO of CIPFA in July 2024. Prior to joining CIPFA he spent five years as Chief Executive of Hertfordshire County Council and three years as the council’s Executive Director of Resources and s151/Chief Finance Officer. His time in local government followed an eight-year tenure in the Senior Civil Service, where he held Finance Director positions at the Home Office, HM Courts Service, and the Legal Aid Agency.

Paul Sesay is a significant leader in the UK's diversity, equality, and inclusion sector. In 2006, he founded several important organisations, including the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers, National Diversity Awards, and Inclusive Awards; in addition to these roles, Sesay is also the founder of Black Leaders and Black Inclusion Week, initiatives aimed at promoting and celebrating black leadership and inclusion in various sectors. Sesay's work primarily involves collaborating with large organisations to enhance their diversity and inclusion profiles. He also actively engages in community initiatives, focusing on empowering individuals from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. His efforts have played a crucial role in acknowledging and celebrating the commitment to diversity by numerous organisations and individuals across the UK. Through his leadership and dedication, Paul Sesay has made a substantial impact on promoting inclusive practices and diversity across different sectors in the UK, positively affecting many lives and the culture of various organisations.

I'm having a great time leading an organisation that is striving for excellence in the things it does. I am a visiting Professor at Cardiff University, a Governor of Cardiff Metropolitan University, a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales, Lead Chief Executive for the Cardiff Capital Region, Board Member of SOLACE Wales, Board Member of SRS (Wales), Chief Executive to the Lord Lieutenancy of Gwent.

Richard became Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council following its establishment on the 1 April 2023 after 12 years as Chief Executive of North Yorkshire County Council. Richard has been closely involved in developing the Devolution Deal for North Yorkshire and York which saw the Mayor appointed in May 2024.

North Yorkshire Council covers the largest land mass in England providing services to over 600,000 people. The Council is one of the highest performing in the country in all areas. Its children’s services is rated outstanding in all Ofsted categories.  

Richard has been Chief Executive of North Yorkshire County Council since July 2010. He celebrated 30 years of working for NYCC in 2018 and has held many roles within the council. Richard first joined as a Trainee Trading Standard Officer, becoming Assistant Head of Trading Standards before using his background in economics to lead the Council’s Economic Development Team. Richard became Assistant Chief Executive in 2005 and then Director of Business and Environmental Services. As Chief Executive, Richard has covered the statutory roles of Director of Children and Young People’s service and Health and Adult Services at different times during the last eight years and has a detailed knowledge of the Council and North Yorkshire.

 Richard chairs the North Yorkshire Chief Executives group and the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum. In 2014 he chaired the Local Authority Delivery Group which co-ordinated the delivery of the Tour de France Grand Départ in Yorkshire. He is also the lead Chief Executive for Yorkshire and Humber on children’s services and is a member of the National Lead Chief Executives Group for Children Services. Richard also chairs the North Yorkshire Locality Health Board.

 Richard was admitted to the College of Fellows (CoF) during the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Conference in June of 2016 and since 2018 has been the Honorary Secretary of The Association of County Chief Executives (ACCE).  He is also the lead officer for ACCE on finance issues.

Richard is married with two children and lives in Ryedale.

Rob Polkinghorne is an accomplished and forward-thinking Chief Executive with a distinguished career spanning over 25 years across local government, the NHS, fire and rescue services, and the third sector. He currently serves as Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council, where he leads a workforce of 4,000 and oversees a £475 million annual budget, delivering services for around 400,000 residents. Known for his strategic clarity and operational drive, Rob has led major transformation programmes and regeneration initiatives across urban and rural contexts. His leadership has delivered significant financial savings and service innovations - from spearheading £100m+ regeneration schemes in Crewe, to driving integrated housing and infrastructure partnerships, to stabilising council finances amid unprecedented pressures. Prior to joining Cheshire East, Rob served as Chief Executive of Southend-on-Sea City Council and as Chief Operating Officer at Aberdeen City Council, where he led a nationally recognised transformation programme that secured multiple UK local government awards. His career has also included senior roles in the NHS and local and regional regeneration bodies, with a consistent focus on inclusive growth, sustainability, and service excellence. Rob is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives. He brings a collaborative and values-led leadership style, with a strong track record in organisational culture change, innovation, and cross-sector partnership working. He is passionate about place-making, social equity and achieving net zero - and has championed award-winning initiatives in climate action, education reform and digital inclusion.

Robin has been Chief Executive of Calderdale Council since June 2017, and the Accountable Place Lead for Calderdale for NHS West Yorkshire since July 2022. He was elected President of Solace in October 2024, and began his two year term in January 2025. He has led and supported LGA Peer Reviews for the past 20 years, and leads on workforce and migration for Yorkshire and Humber Chief Executives. He is an honorary life member for the Faculty of Public Health, a Non-Executive Director of Northern Housing Consortium, and Trustee of Belong. 

The Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire County Council since 2022, Stephen is involved in leading one of the fastest growing places in the country, working with a range of local, regional and national system partners and the 61 elected members to deliver the Council’s vision of creating a healthier, fairer and more sustainable Cambridgeshire.

A proud and committed public servant, Stephen has undertaken a range of leadership roles in Local Government, the NHS, and Policing, at local, regional, and national levels in both Scotland and England. He has also been a non-executive director for public sector improvement agencies, a professional institute and was the Vice Chair of the University Court for Edinburgh Napier University.

Stephen served as the Deputy National Spokesperson for Leadership and Learning for the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (SOLACE) from 2022-2024. In January 2026, Stephen became the Chair of the Association of County Chief Executives (ACCE), the professional body which brings together the Chief Executives of 38 large English upper tier and unitary authorities.

Tony was appointed as Chief Executive of Wakefield Council in April 2024, overseeing a team of over 5,000 staff delivering for 350,000 residents in West Yorkshire. Tony has a distinguished track record in Local Government leadership. His appointment marked his enthusiastic return to the district. He was Deputy Chief Executive at Wakefield from 2003–2006, when he oversaw a significant regeneration programme. Following his time in Wakefield, Tony held Chief Executive roles at Bradford Council (2006–2014) and Liverpool City Council (2018–2022). Between those two roles Tony was a Partner at Deloitte leading the local government advisory practice. At Liverpool, he steered the Council through high-profile challenges—including cultural reform, Operation Aloft, and the pandemic recovery—receiving praise for addressing historic governance issues. His leadership experience, regional and national profile, and deep commitment to Wakefield are driving forward an ambitious agenda of regeneration, sustainable financial management, strong partnership working, and improved outcomes for local residents.

William has been Chief Executive of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council since 2009. Prior to that he was Deputy Chief Executive and has held a number of senior manager roles in local government. His background is in international development, and he spent three years with the International Development Select Committee in the House of Commons and a period of time working within the voluntary sector. William is a spokesperson for the sector on finance issues and chairs the Kent-wide grouping of chief executives and is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA).