Leeds Agenda 2025

9:15 - 9:45

Registration

Start your day by signing in and picking up your exclusive Collaboration Pack. This pack includes all the materials you’ll need for an engaging day of learning and networking. Arrive early to ensure you have ample time to get settled and connect with fellow attendees.

9:45 - 9:50

Editors' Welcome

Start the conference with a warm welcome and an overview of the day’s agenda. Introduce yourself to those you will be collaborating with on your tables.

Speakers:

Jessica Bowie, Editor, Civil Service World

Suzannah Brecknell, Editor, Civil Service World

9:50 - 10:00

Keynote Speech

Get inspired by our morning keynote speaker Oliver Coppard, who will set the tone for the day. Hear from their experiences in collaboration and gain invaluable tips and tricks to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

Speakers:

Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire Combined Authority

10:00 - 10:10

Sponsor Keynote Speech

In this section you will hear from our headline sponsor.

10:10 - 10:20

Facilitators Introduction

Introduce yourself to those you will be collaborating with on your tables.

10:20 - 11:10

Panel Session: Senior Leaders Discuss Collaboration

In this panel discussion, you will hear from senior leaders across local and central government on the importance of collaboration, and how they make collaboration a priority within their roles and missions for the North of England.

Speakers confirmed so far:

Beth Russell, Second Permanent Secretary, HM Treasury

11:10 - 11:25

Coffee Break

Recharge with a coffee break and take the opportunity to network with fellow attendees. Share your thoughts on the morning sessions and build connections that could lead to future collaborations.

11:25 - 12:25

Discussion Workshop: Conflicting Views

Take part in this discussion workshop where the Nuffield Council on Bioethics will offer valuable insights into their rapid ethical assessment tool and how to apply this to different scenarios.

12:25 - 13:10

Panel Session

In this panel discussion, you will hear from the movers and shakers who are collaborating in the North.

13:10 - 14:10

Lunch and Speed Networking

Enjoy a delicious lunch while mingling with other conference participants. Engage with other attendees at the conference through our facilitated speed networking option.

14:10 - 15:00

Collaboration – World Café Style

In this World Café style session, you will be able to participate in conversations guided by our skilled facilitators to discuss what is important to you, and how you best want to collaborate with your fellow table mates on key issues ranging from: Overcoming Challenges in Collaboration, to Collaboration in a Crisis. Find out what other people are doing to help build a collaborative country, and what issues they are facing.

15:00 - 15:15

Coffee Break

Recharge with a coffee break and take the opportunity to network with fellow attendees. Share your thoughts on the day’s sessions and build connections that could lead to future collaborations.

15:15- 15:55

Panel Discussion: Collaborative Success Stories - Reflections on Homes for Ukraine in the North

Dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of collaborative efforts in the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. This session will explore how different sectors came together, and transitioned from crisis response to long-term strategy, and learn how to apply these insights to your own work.

Speakers:

Paul Morrison, Chief Executvie, Planning Inspectorate

15:55 - 16:15

Keynote Speech

Wrap up the day with our keynote speaker, discover how leadership plays a crucial role in fostering effective collaboration and learn strategies to enhance your leadership skills in collaborative environments.

16:15 - 16:45

Networking

End the day with a networking session. Join your colleagues from across the UK public sector to compare notes on the day’s discussions, share insights, and get to know our guest speakers and discussion hosts better. This is your chance to forge new connections and explore potential collaborations.

Facilitating active learning and reflective discussions

Throughout the day, delegates will be supported to develop actionable insights by highly-experienced facilitators from our sister company Dods Training. These colleagues will guide reflective conversations on each table as well as leading a focused policy challenge discussion during our skills sessions - helping delegates explore key challenges, facilitating knowledge exchange, and fostering collaborative innovation across government and industry.