On Tuesday 18th November 2025, we will be hosting our 20th Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Manchester, marking two decades of collaboration, innovation, and transformation across the public sector. This milestone event will bring together professionals from local authorities, health, housing, and beyond to explore how people, data, and creativity can drive meaningful change.
This year’s theme ‘Driving Change through People, Data and Innovation’ reflects the evolving challenges and opportunities facing public services. The conference will feature a dynamic mix of keynote panels, seminar sessions, and networking opportunities, all designed to spark ideas, share best practices, and inspire action.
We are especially proud to spotlight the strong representation of female leadership across the conference. iNetwork’s leadership is driven by Director Shelley Heckman, supported by Chair Alison McKenzie-Folan OBE, Chief Executive of Wigan Council, and Deputy Chair Sarah Bullock, Deputy Chief Executive at Chorley Council and South Ribble Borough Council.
Alison McKenzie-Folan will be delivering the welcome address, setting the tone for a day focused on innovation, collaboration, and transformation. Meanwhile, Sarah Bullock will be chairing our opening keynote panel, guiding a powerful conversation on how people, data, and creativity are driving change across the public sector.
On the day we have invited women speakers from Wigan, Barnsley, South Ribble, Bradford, and Chorley Councils, among others to showcase the impactful work they’re leading in their communities. These women are not only shaping policy and driving innovation they are also inspiring the next generation of public sector leaders. Their voices will be central to discussions on everything from placemaking and economic resilience to tech-enabled care and organisational transformation.
With over 50% of the speakers being women at this year’s conference, we are proud to champion a space where diverse voices are not only heard but celebrated. By prioritising gender balance in our speaker line-up, we aim to inspire the next generation of women to pursue impactful careers in the public sector.
Explore the sessions led by our inspiring women speakers below.
– Opening Panel Discussion: Driving Change through People, Data and Innovation with Alison McKenzie- Folan OBE, Chief Executivee, Wigan Council, Sarah Bullock, Deputy Chief Executive, Chorley Council and South Ribble Borough Council and Wendy Popplewell, Executive Director Core Services, Barnsley Council
Delivering Social Value: Lessons from Lancashire’s Local Authorities with Aimi O’Donnell Social Value Coordinator
Delivering Change with Confidence: The Power of Data Driven Improvements with Iftaz Hussain, City of Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council
Building a Cyber Aware Workforce with Genevieve Liveley, RISCS
Placemaking in Practice: Housing, Planning and Community at the Heart with Bronwen Rapley, Chief Executive, Onward Homes, Jo Johnston, Head of Reform and Innovation, Manchester City Council, Elizabeth Thornber, Strategic Leader, Chief Planning Officer & Head of Planning & Enforcement, South Ribble Borough Council
Progress with Unity: Wigan’s Movement for Change with Claire Burnham, Assistant Director Neighbourhood Reform and Skills, Wigan Council
AI (“aye aye”) Captain – Navigating Turbulent Tides to Uncover Hidden Treasures with Cath Ritchie, North Yorkshire Council
People First: Using Tech and Data to Transform Lives in St Helens with Vicky Willett, Director of Policy and Transformation, St Helens Council
This year’s conference is not only a celebration of 20 years of iNetwork it is a celebration of the women driving change across the public sector. Their leadership, vision, and commitment to community impact are helping shape a better future for all.
The event is free to attend for anyone working in the public sector, and will be delivered in a hybrid format, making it accessible both in person and online.