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About Solace

About Solace

Committed to promoting public sector excellence

Great professionals enable great places. Solace is the network that makes it happen. Whether you’re an organisation looking to develop your talent and attract the best in the business, an executive leader looking for access to industry expertise and an extensive network of forward-thinking professionals, or an individual at the start of your career in search of career guidance, Solace exists to enable you to reach your full potential.

Who are Solace?

Solace is the UK’s leading membership network for public sector and local government professionals. We currently represent over 1600 members across the UK, and have regional branches across the country which play host to a number of events such as regional development days, skills days and networking opportunities.

Our business comprises two key teams, Solace is our parent charity, which covers everything from membership and development to policy and events. Solace in Business is our profit for purpose subsidiary focusing on Executive Recruitment & Assessment, Interim Management, Business Partnerships, and Sponsorships.

Our objectives are:

  • To provide excellent opportunities for current and future professional leaders of local government to learn, develop and network with each other
  • To influence the debate about the future of public services and to ensure that policy is informed by the experience and expertise of our members
  • To build the integrity and reputation of public service leadership

You can read more about the benefits of Solace membership by clicking here.

 

Chairs & President

Solace Chair

Gavin Jones, Chief Executive, Essex County Council

Solace in Business Chair

Ruth Hyde OBE, Chief Executive, Broxtowe Borough Council

Solace President

Matt Prosser, Chief Executive, Dorset Council

English Regional Chairs

South East England

Patricia Hughes, Joint Chief Executive, Hart District Council

South West England

Jon McGinty, Managing Director, Gloucester City Council

Scotland Office Holders

Chair

Grace Vickers, Chief Executive, Midlothian Council

Vice Chair

Des Murray, Chief Executive, North Lanarkshire Council

Wales Office Holders

Chair

Christina Harrhy, Chief Executive at Caerphilly County Borough Council

Vice Chair

Karen Jones, Chief Executive at Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

Northern Ireland Office Holders

Chair

David Burns, Chief Executive, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council

Vice Chair

Marie Ward, Chief Executive, Newry City, Mourne and Down District

Policy & Executive Officer

Kate Bingham, Head of Performance & Improvement, Newry City, Mourne and Down District

Treasurer

Alison McCullagh, Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

Secretary

Adrian McCreesh, Chief Executive, Mid Ulster District Council

Legal Information

Solace Group Legal Information

The Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (Solace Group) Ltd; a company registered in England & Wales, number 04053417
Registered charity number: 1084419
Registered Office: Ground Floor, 2 Red Hall Court, Wakefield, England, WF1 2UN
VAT No. 905 2080 58

Solace is both an Approved Centre and a Recognised Provider for the ILM, and is on the Register of Training Apprenticeship Providers

Solace in Business Legal Information

Solace in Business Ltd; a company registered in England & Wales, number 3150254
Registered Office: Ground Floor, 2 Red Hall Court, Wakefield, England, WF1 2UN
VAT No. 659 7704 83

Solace in Business is a member of the Institute of Interim Management and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and is also ISO 9001 accredited.

REC Corporate Member logo