Devolution & Reorganisation

Sponsored by

Overview

The UK Government’s commitment to devolution and structural reform is reshaping how public services are funded, commissioned, and delivered. With new combined authorities emerging, county deals advancing, and reorganisation on the agenda in several regions, local authorities are being empowered to take greater control of strategic planning, budgets, and service delivery.

The Devolution & Reorganisation Zone will explore how these governance changes impact local procurement strategy, workforce capability, and cross-boundary collaboration. Delegates will hear from councils and government representatives leading the change—discussing lessons from existing devolution deals, how to navigate the complexities of reorganisation, and how procurement can act as a strategic enabler of place-based outcomes.

Devolution & Reorganisation Zone Agenda

10:50 - 11:30
The Contractual Landscape of LGR – Risk and Issues
Speakers
Darren Knowd

Consultant

.

Keith Coleman

Deputy Director

Orbis Procurement

Dr Richard Scarlett

Head of Commercial & Procurement Service

Oxfordshire County Council

Kieran McGaughey

Consultant Solicitor

.

11:40 - 12:10
From Blocker to Enabler: The Role Procurement Must Play in the Innovation and Transformation of Local Public Services
Speakers
Philippa Newis

Director

Public Digital

12:20 - 12:50
Speakers
Naomi Hilsden

Corporate Account Manager - Public Sector

Specsavers

Kartik Bhadaria

Clinical Performance Consultant

Specsavers

Read More
13:40 - 14:10
The Devolution Revolution - The Impact on Regeneration Procurement
Speakers
Faye Dolan

Framework Director

Procure Partnerships Framework

14:20 - 14:50
Procuring Under Pressure: Managing the Transition and Delivering in the New Councils
Speakers
Darren Knowd

Consultant

.

Adrian Leibovitch

Principal

Efficio

David Taylor

Principal

Efficio

15:00 - 15:30
The Opportunities for Delivering Procurement Innovation in the Devolved Landscape
Speakers
Rikesh Shah

Head of Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre

Connected Places Catapult

Michael Murray

Commercial Manager

NEPO