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President's Update

This blog page features updates from ADEPT's President, Angela Jones.

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President update 2nd March - latest news from ADEPT

Hello everyone,

As we head into March, I have several important updates to share with you.

Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Andrew Cook on his appointment as Chief Executive at Suffolk County Council from 1st April. As a result, Andrew will no longer take up the ADEPT Presidency next year - I’m very grateful to Katie Stewart, our 2nd Vice President, who has agreed to step into the role of ADEPT President one year early, from May 2026.

We have now shared ADEPT’s draft Strategic Plan 2026-29, Making Better Places, with members and corporate partners for comment, including feedback on the proposed title, values and strategic priorities. Please send any comments to us by Friday 13th March. We will launch the final document at the Spring Conference.

We’ve been busy coordinating ADEPT’s response to the government’s extensive consultation on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), drawing on expertise from across our boards and working groups. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far.

I'm delighted to announce that ADEPT, in partnership with the Yorkshire & Humber Climate Commission, is today publishing An Introduction to Talking Climate, a practical, evidence based guide for public sector communicators. The guide draws on research to help move away from jargon and towards accessible, benefit-focused messaging - covering everything from framing local successes to addressing misinformation. It's free to access and designed as a quick reference tool for busy communicators, signposting to wider research and resources – read the guide here.

Bookings are now open for the ADEPT Spring Conference and Annual Awards Dinner on 13th May at One Great George Street, Westminster. This year's theme is Leading Local Places Through Change and we're delighted to announce Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood MP as our keynote speaker. To see the full programme and book your place, see here.

And a final reminder about the ADEPT President's Awards - if you're yet to submit an entry, now is the time! I know many of you are leading truly outstanding projects that demonstrate real innovation and impact - the awards are a wonderful platform to highlight this exceptional work. Entries close this Friday 6th March – find out more.

For more updates on ADEPT's latest news, publications, and the work of our boards and groups, visit our website: www.adeptnet.org.uk

More posts

  • President update 5th January - latest news from ADEPT

    Hello everyone,

    Happy New Year! I hope you all had a restful break and are settling back into 2026. As we start the year, there are a few updates I wanted to share with you and some important dates to note for the months ahead.

    Alun Hughes from the County Councils Network (CCN) came along to the latest Leadership Team meeting to discuss how we might collaborate more, particularly around Local Government Reorganisation and devolution. 

    Read more >

  • President update 1st December - latest news from ADEPT

    Hello everyone,

    It’s December already - where has the year gone? As we head into the final weeks of 2025, I hope you're managing to stay on top of what's always a busy period.

    I'm delighted to report that our Autumn Conference was a huge success. Having Andy Burnham join us as keynote speaker was a real highlight and the conversations around devolution, resilience and innovation were fantastic. You can read my full reflections on the event here.

    Read more >

  • President update 3rd November - latest news from ADEPT

    Hello everyone,

    I’ve just returned from two weeks’ leave – it’s always good to take some time to recharge before the busy run-up to the end of the year.

    Before I went, I joined the Engineering Board to say hello and catch up on their latest work – thank you to everyone who made me so welcome. A big thank you as well to Andrew Cook for representing ADEPT as Ambassador at Highways UK. I understand it was the biggest event yet, with plenty of great conversations and connections across the sector.

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  • President update 1st August - latest news from ADEPT

    Hello everyone,

    My first few weeks as President of ADEPT have been exceptionally busy and productive! Over the last month, I’ve been to the LGA Conference, caught up with colleagues at the corporate partner event and leadership alumni gathering and taken part in some great conversations around devolution and local government reform. 

    Read more >

  • President update 1st July - latest news from ADEPT

    Hello everyone,

    I hope you are all well and looking forward to taking some time off over the summer to recharge.

    Over the last month, it was good to meet the presidents of the other local government bodies - ADCS, ADASS, ADPH and the LGA - to talk about the outcomes of the May local elections. I also hosted my first Leadership Team meeting, where we discussed the themes for the Autumn Conference. 

    Read more >

  • President update 3rd June - latest news from ADEPT

    Hello everyone,

    I am delighted to be writing my first update as President of ADEPT! It is a real privilege to take on this role and I am thrilled to be working alongside such dedicated professionals committed to improving our places and communities.

    Read more >

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