Devolution & Reorganisation

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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 - 11:25
New Models, New Rules: What Reorganisation Means for Public Contracting and Commercial Compliance
Speakers
Darren Knowd

Consultant

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Keith Coleman

Deputy Director

Orbis Procurement

Dr Richard Scarlett

Head of Commercial & Procurement Service

Oxfordshire County Council

Kieran McGaughey

Consultant Solicitor

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11:30 - 11:55
From Blocker to Enabler: The Role Procurement Must Play in the Innovation and Transformation of Local Public Services
Speakers
Philippa Newis

Director

Public Digital

12:00 - 12:25
LGR & Devolution - The Implications for Procurement & Contracting
Speakers
Matthew Fright

Senior Researcher - Devolution

Institute for Government

13:30 - 13:55
The Devolution Revolution - The Impact on Regeneration Procurement
14:00 - 14:25
Procurement in a Changing Landscape: Navigating the Impacts of Devolution on Local Authority Buying Power
14:30 - 14:55
Procuring Under Financial Strain: Delivering Value for Money in the New Councils
15:00 - 15:25
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