While discussions at this year’s Local Government Association Conference focused on reform, devolution and the future of local government, one exhibition encouraged delegates to pause and reflect on something more fundamental: the people who make change happen.
The Leadership Centre was proud to sponsor Inspiring People Who Make Our Place, a photographic exhibition celebrating the individuals whose leadership, commitment and expertise make a difference in communities every day.
Throughout the conference, the exhibition prompted conversations about the people who have inspired delegates throughout their careers and the relationships that underpin successful leadership. It was a timely reminder that while structures, systems and governance all matter, lasting change depends on people working together with shared purpose.
Thank you to everyone who visited the exhibition, shared their reflections and took the time to speak with our team. We are also grateful to Thinking Place and the Local Government Association for helping bring the exhibition to life.
Here are some of our favourite images from the exhibition, celebrating inspiring people doing extraordinary work in their places. Click on any image to see it fullscreen.
Max Cave
Resident Lifeguard
Peterborough City Council
Max plays a key role in keeping the historic outdoor pool safe, welcoming and running smoothly by monitoring swimmers, preventing accidents, and responding quickly to signs of distress. Lifeguards carry out rescues, administer first aid, and ensure safety equipment is always ready for use. As part of the team, Max helps enforce pool rules to maintain a safe environment, supports families and children during busy sessions, and assists with checks such as water quality testing, cleanliness, and equipment inspections. Our lifeguards are not just safety professionals – they’re the friendly faces who help create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
Ted Wooddisse
Land Management Officer
Notts County Council
Responsible for a third of the Council’s 71 Green Spaces sites managed for public access and nature, Ted ensures sites are safe, welcoming and well-managed, carrying out safety inspections, arranging maintenance, undertaking tree safety work whilst liaising with landowners, government agencies, the public and community groups. He organises forestry and habitat management for flooding, drainage and anti-social behaviour. Monarch Wood is a new addition; planted with 33,000 trees through Greenwood Community Forest, it was dedicated as part of the Platinum Jubilee in honour of the late HRH Queen Elizabth II, and is now open for public access.
Charlotte Stacey
Information Services Manager & On-Call Firefighter
Oxfordshire County Council
Charlotte leads data protection, information access and records management for Oxfordshire. And when the Fire pager goes off, Charlotte swaps GDPR for breathing apparatus and AI for hydraulic tools. Her work ensures compliance and security, maintains key data sharing partnerships and engages colleagues and public in privacy and transparency. Whether a flood of subject access requests or serious flooding in the community, Charlotte puts people (and their personal information) first.
Ross Harvie
Arts and Culture Manager
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
Ross develops arts and culture projects that support the council’s Love Basingstoke initiative. Considering himself a place maker, Ross works across arts, culture, events, heritage and skills development. Having joined the council 10 years ago after working in the arts in Basingstoke, Ross leads on the strategic vision for culture, producing outdoor and immersive art work and events and led on the council’s recent Town of Culture application. Ross supports artists, young people, arts organisations, volunteer groups, events, businesses and educational settings to create great experiences for local residents, communities and visitors alike. With the council investing over £1 million in arts and culture every year, Ross is regularly found with a loud hailer in hand, delivering one of over 20 events run by the council annually. This includes the Basingstoke Festival, with this year’s parade led by a giant puppet designed in a community competition.
Nav Sandhu
Senior Estates Surveyor
South Staffordshire Council
Responsible for effective management of the Councils Commercial Property portfolio consisting of approximately 200 leases, generating an annual income of c£4 million. This covers a diverse range of spaces, including offices, industrial properties, retail units, and community premises. Nav’s role involves all elements of property management including landlord and tenant liaison, progressing new lettings, lease renewals, rent reviews, debt management and facilitating acquisitions and disposals. She works with tenants running local small/medium enterprises to national/ international businesses alongside various professional services, supporting businesses through providing suitable premises. The income generated is vital, as it helps fund essential public services throughout the community.
Ian Trumble
Curator of Archaeology, Egyptology and World Cultures
Bolton Council
Responsible for Bolton Museums Egyptology, Archaeology and World Cultures collections. Bolton Museum holds one of the most significant local authority Egyptology collections in the UK. Ian’s role involves documenting objects, answering enquiries, developing exhibitions and delivering an extensive public engagement programme. Ian is being supported by the Council to complete his PhD to enhance his role. He works with researchers from across the world for whom Bolton’s collection is essential. The Egyptology collection is something lots of ‘Boltonians’ connect with, it’s a core part of the towns identity.