The pace of change across the public sector has never been greater. From digital transformation and artificial intelligence to innovation in adult social care and place-based reform, organisations are under increasing pressure to deliver better outcomes, improve services and make every investment count.
That’s why we’re delighted to announce the iNetwork Annual Conference 2026: Shaping Change that Delivers, taking place on 10 November 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Bringing together leaders, practitioners, innovators and change-makers from across local government, health, social care and the wider public sector, the conference will be a unique opportunity to explore how organisations can turn ambition into action and transformation into measurable impact.
This conference is free to attend for all public sector organisations, making it accessible to everyone committed to improving services and outcomes for communities.
Throughout the day, delegates will hear from sector leaders, innovators and practitioners on topics including:
- Digital transformation
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Innovation and service redesign
- Adult social care reform
- Prevention and early intervention
- System-wide collaboration
- Data, insight and evidence-led decision making
- Leadership and organisational change
With a programme designed around practical learning and peer-to-peer discussion, attendees will leave with fresh perspectives, real-world examples and actionable ideas they can take back to their own organisations.
Keynote Panel: Different Places, Different Paces – How Organisational Maturity Impacts Innovation and Scalability
No two organisations start from the same point on their transformation journey. While some are accelerating at pace, others are focused on building strong foundations before scaling innovation. This keynote discussion will explore how organisational maturity shapes the ability to innovate, adopt new technologies and deliver sustainable transformation.
We will be joined by panelists including:
- Sarah Bullock, Strategic Director of Corporate Services, Tameside Council
- Jennie Neill, People and Organisational Development, Assistant Director, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
- Kate Hurr, Assistant Director of Digital Innovation and ICT, Cumberland Council
Drawing on their experiences from different places and organisational contexts, the panel will discuss the realities of transformation, what enables organisations to scale innovation successfully, and how leaders can navigate varying levels of readiness while driving meaningful change. Delegates can expect an honest conversation about the opportunities, barriers and lessons learned from organisations at different stages of their transformation journey.
Keynote Panel: Investing in Prevention – Breaking the Reactive Cycle
As public services continue to face growing demand and financial pressures, the need to shift from reactive responses towards prevention has never been more important. Chaired by Shelley Heckman, this keynote panel will examine what it takes to invest in prevention and create sustainable, long-term improvements for residents and communities. We will be joined by panelists including:
- Alison Mckenzie-Folan OBE, Chief Executive of Wigan Council and Place Lead for Health and Care Integration (Wigan), NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care
- Mark Peterson, Head of Data & Insight, North Yorkshire Council
The discussion will explore how organisations can balance immediate service pressures with longer-term preventative approaches, the evidence behind prevention strategies, and the practical steps needed to break the cycle of reacting to demand rather than preventing it.
Why Attend?
Whether you’re leading transformation programmes, exploring AI, delivering adult social care services or developing innovation strategies, the iNetwork Annual Conference offers something for everyone involved in shaping the future of public services. By attending, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Learn from leading public sector organisations
- Hear practical examples of transformation in action
- Explore opportunities presented by AI and digital innovation
- Network with peers from across local government, health and social care
- Share challenges, experiences and solutions
- Gain ideas and inspiration to support your own change programmes
Reserve Your Free Place: Join us on 10 November 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for a day of learning, collaboration and inspiration. Attendance is free for all public sector delegates.
? Register your place today: https://registration.crowdcomms.com/inetwork2026
We look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be one of the most important conversations in public sector transformation this year.
