Delegates from around the country are arriving in Hull this week for one of Britain’s largest gatherings of public sector and local government professionals.
Solace (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives) is the UK’s leading network of chief executives and senior managers working in the public sector. After a successful “virtual learning week” last year, this year’s Solace Summit, entitled Leading from the Front Line, is being held in a ‘hybrid’ format, offering delegates the option to experience the event virtually and in person.
The online-only part of the summit began yesterday and continues today. Then, from tomorrow until Friday, delegates from all over the UK will come together in Hull city centre.
Tomorrow’s programme, as well as an “Evening with Solace” and the “Summit Dinner” will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Ferensway. On Thursday and Friday, the summit will continue at Bonus Arena in Myton Street.
The virtual offering will also continue for the duration of the week for those unable to attend in person.
‘Leading from the front line’
Matt Jukes, chief executive of Hull City Council, will welcome delegates to Hull tomorrow and share some of the things that are special about the city.
He said: “We are extremely proud to host the in-person element of this year’s Solace Summit and very much look forward to welcoming our colleagues from across the country. Hull’s selection as host city comes as a result of all the great work that has been done over the past few years to promote the city as an attractive destination for such events.
“Our city has a unique story that we are always keen to share with the world. With Hull and the Humber at the forefront of the green economy revolution, we are delighted to be ‘leading from the front line’ on this year’s Solace Summit!”
The Solace group promotes and supports professional leadership in local public services through courses, coaching, events and private sector partnerships. Solace in Business, its profit-for-purpose subsidiary, focuses on executive recruitment and assessment and interim management.
Graeme McDonald, managing director of Solace and Solace in Business, said: “The Solace Summit is one of the largest gatherings of local government in the UK. It’s a premier learning event where senior staff from across the country come together to discuss the issues of the day and hear from a selection of high-profile speakers from inside and outside of government.
“We have chosen Hull to host this year because it couples multipurpose facilities with a regeneration story of interest to people across the country. Building upon its time as the City of Culture and a rich maritime and industrial history, it exemplifies a forward, green economic future from which others will want to learn.”
Read more about Solace Summit 2021
