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Unitary success: navigating the right path to devolution for IT infrastructure

In-person event | 17th July 2025 | Searcy's at The Gherkin, London

Brought to you by Advania and Quest Software, this focused event brings together leaders and practitioners from across local government to explore the practical realities of IT infrastructure transformation under Labour’s devolution programme.

With many councils facing significant merger and migration initiatives, the event provides a timely platform to share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and effective strategies for delivering successful transitions. The session will feature thought leadership from Robin Denton, Local Public Services Director, Microsoft, who will discuss Microsoft’s perspective and support for navigating large-scale IT change, as well as Chris Trinder, Head of Technology at Central Bedfordshire Council, offering first-hand insights into the challenges and breakthroughs experienced during their own cloud migration IT consolidation.

Plus get the opportunity to network with peers and industry experts over drinks and canapes whilst admiring the breath-taking view from the 38th floor of the iconic Gherkin building.

 

Location: Searcy's at The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8EP

When: 12:30pm - 16:00pm, Thursday 17th July 2025


 

Register your place

Meet the Experts

Sarah Prince
Sarah Prince

Barclays Global Account Director
Microsoft

Sarah Prince

Sarah Prince

Barclays Global Account Director
Microsoft

Sarah Prince is the Barclays Global Account Director at Microsoft UK and an Accessibility Ambassador. With over four years of experience in the Financial Services Industry (FSI) UK Team, Sarah has been instrumental in driving digital transformation and accessibility initiatives. She is passionate about leveraging technology to create inclusive environments and has been a key advocate for accessibility within Microsoft. At the upcoming Accessibility event, Sarah will share her personal experiences with Microsoft's accessibility features, highlighting their impact on her professional and personal life

Hector Minto
Hector Minto

Technology Evangelist
Microsoft

Hector Minto

Hector Minto

Technology Evangelist
Microsoft

Hector Minto is a seasoned technology evangelist at Microsoft, where he spearheads accessibility and inclusion initiatives across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With over 20 years of experience in assistive technology, Hector is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through innovative tech solutions. His work focuses on breaking down barriers and fostering an inclusive digital environment, ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to succeed.

In his keynote, Hector will discuss how Microsoft Copilot is revolutionizing the workplace by supporting an inclusive workforce. He will highlight how Copilot's advanced AI capabilities are designed to assist individuals with diverse needs, making technology more accessible and enabling everyone to contribute effectively. Hector's passion for accessibility is evident in his advocacy and leadership, making him a pivotal figure in the movement towards a more inclusive world.


Event Details

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Key takeaways from the event

  • Strategic Insights: Understand the policy and technology landscape shaping devolution and IT infrastructure change.
  • Firsthand Experience: Hear directly from a local authority speaker about the realities—both challenges and solutions—of managing a complex migration.
  • Microsoft’s Viewpoint: Gain valuable perspective from Robin Denton of Microsoft on best practices, tools, and opportunities for councils undergoing transformation.
  • Practical Guidance: Learn how Quest Software and Advania are supporting councils with effective, scalable approaches to merger and migration planning.
  • Peer Networking: Connect with fellow local government professionals facing similar transitions to share experiences, questions, and practical advice.
  • Industry Expertise: Speak to industry experts at Advania, Microsoft and Quest about your technology and IT strategy requirements.

Meet the speakers

Natalija Buldakova

Presales Engineer, Quest

Natalija is a Certified IT professional and Presales Engineer at Quest Software. With two decades of cross-industry experience, primarily utilising the Microsoft technology stack, empathising with the challenges faced by IT project and BAU teams in managing IT infrastructure and navigating the impact of changes on business users - and she's here to help navigate those with confidence. In her current role at Quest Software, she leverages her expertise in IT Solutions Architecture and Cyber Security to ensure that our solutions enable customers to maximise the benefits of MS technology, streamline IT operations, and enhance cyber resilience.

Rob Denton headshot

Robin Denton

Local Public Services Director, Microsoft

Robin has 20 years of experience in Microsoft and local public services, with deep expertise in the local government and housing sectors. His technology background helps align emerging tech with sector priorities, driving innovation in services and resident outcomes. He has worked on many shared services and unitary council mergers, and is passionate about using AI and reform to modernise processes. Robin leads Microsoft’s Local Public Services team, driving transformation across the sector.

Chris_Trinder

Chris Trinder

Head of Technology, Central Bedfordshire Council

Chris is a business technology leader within a major UK local authority with 3,500 employees. Dynamic leadership and motivation of a team of over 40 IT specialists, stakeholder management, IT vendor and 3rd party management, including through Public Sector Framework and RFP Processes. IT project and IT operational leadership, covering IT Operations and Network Management, Knowledge and Information Management, SAP and Line of Business Applications, IT Security and Governance. Championed a Microsoft first strategy, driving the migration from multiple 3rd party IT solutions to the Microsoft equivalent solution, reducing OPEX and enabling tighter integration of the solutions.

 

Mike Parker Content and Code

Mike Parker

Head of Technology Enablement, Advania

Mike is the Head of Technology Enablement at Advania UK. He leads 3 technical delivery teams focussed on the enablement of and migration to Microsoft 365. Mike has led numerous incredibly complex Microsoft 365 migrations and transformations, and specialises in guiding organisations through the challenges of tenant consolidation in the Microsoft Cloud.

 

 

 

Who is the event for?

Whether you're in the early planning stages or deep into implementation, this event is designed to equip you with the knowledge and connections needed to make informed, future-ready decisions.

Networking, drinks and canapes with a view

Following the afternoon’s sessions, you’ll get the opportunity to network with peers and industry professionals over complimentary canapes and drinks whilst admiring the breathtaking view of the London skyline from 38th floor of the iconic Gherkin building.

Agenda

12:30pm: Arrival, registration and teas and coffees

1:00pm: Welcome and introduction

1:10pm – 1:30pm: Keynote: Robin Denton, Local Public Services Director, Microsoft

1:30pm – 2:00pm: Local Government Experience: Chris Trinder, Head of Technology, Central Bedfordshire Council

2:00pm – 2:30pm: Mike Parker, Head of Technology Enablement, Advania  & Natalija Buldakova, Presales Engineer, Quest

2:30pm – 2:40pm: Q&A

2:40pm – 4:00pm: Drink, nibbles and networking with an epic view across London’s skyline

 

Event details


  • Location: Online via webinar

     

  • When: 2nd July 2024 | 1pm - 2pm

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Limited spaces available.
Apply to attend today.

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