Meet The 2026 Conference Speakers
Discover the experts, policymakers and practitioners sharing their knowledge at this year's National Rural Conference. New speakers, biographies and session details are being added regularly, so check back for the latest updates.
MONDAY | 10:00 - 11:30 | RURAL FAIR FUNDING
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network
Kerry Booth is Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network (RSN), where she leads the organisation’s work to champion rural communities across England.
With almost 20 years’ experience in local government and rural policy, she works closely with government, local authorities and national partners to promote fair funding, effective rural proofing and better outcomes for rural areas. A respected speaker and advocate, Kerry regularly shares her expertise on rural policy, public services and the future of rural communities.
Cllr Roger Phillips OBE, Chair, Rural Services Network
Cllr Roger Phillips OBE is Chair of the Rural Services Network and has served as a councillor with Herefordshire Council since 2011.
A former Leader of Herefordshire Council and former Chair of West Midlands Councils, he brings extensive experience in local government, regional leadership and public policy. Roger continues to represent rural interests through a range of national and local organisations, championing strong, sustainable communities and effective public services.
MONDAY | 13:30 - 15:30 | RURAL ECONOMY & REGENERATION
Matthew Gorton, Deputy Director, National Innovation Centre For Rural Enterprise (NICRE)
Exploring how innovation can unlock new opportunities for rural communities, businesses and local economies.
Full biography coming soon!
TUESDAY | 10:00 - 12:00 | RURAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING & PLANNING
Cllr Rick Deller, Executive Board Member for Housing, Regulatory and Customer Services, Wychavon District Council
Discover how an award-recognised approach is helping to prevent homelessness through early intervention and partnership working.
Full biography coming soon!
Viv Griffiths, National Practice Development Manager, Homeless Link
Sharing insights from the Rural Homelessness Rough Sleeping Snapshot Pilot and what it reveals about hidden homelessness in rural communities.
Full biography coming soon!
TUESDAY | 13:30 - 15:30 | RURAL CONNECTIVITY
Sodhi Dhillon, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, BT Digital Voice & Migrations
Exploring the Digital Voice switchover, what it means for rural communities, and the support available for vulnerable residents.
Full biography coming soon!
Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Devon County Council
Sharing Devon’s experience of championing better broadband connectivity for rural and hard-to-reach communities.
Full biography coming soon!
WEDNESDAY | 10:00 - 12:00 | RURAL NET ZERO
Neil Harrison, Director, Reheat
Sharing expertise on the role of renewable energy in creating resilient, sustainable rural communities.
Full biography coming soon!
Kate Watson, Technical Lead, RISE
Acknowledging the barriers to smooth rural retrofit delivery and exploring practical solutions.
Full biography coming soon!
Patrick Allcorn, Head of Local Net Zero, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
Offering a national perspective on local Net Zero priorities and the opportunities for rural communities.
Full biography coming soon!
WEDNESDAY | 13:30 - 15:30 | RURAL MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Aran Prince-Tappe, Rural Policy Team Lead, Strategic Briefing and Contracts, DEFRA
Examining what the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act could mean for rural communities and local government.
Full biography coming soon!
Suzanne Wigmore, CEO Citizens Advice Wiltshire and Rural Issues Group Member
Bringing extensive experience of the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities.
Full biography coming soon!
THURSDAY | 10:00 - 12:00 | RURAL ACCESS TO HEALTH & CARE SERVICES
Our speakers for this session will be announced shortly.
Check back soon for updates!
THURSDAY | 12:30 - 15:30 | RURAL TRANSPORT
Cllr Christine Wise, Leader, Rutland County Council
Sharing Rutland’s innovative approach to improving rural transport through demand responsive services.
Full biography coming soon!
Victoria Nicholls, Transport Service Manager, Rutland County Council
Examining how demand responsive transport can help improve access to services and opportunities in rural areas.
Full biography coming soon!
Thomas Ableman, Founder, Freewheeling
Bringing fresh ideas and practical insights from a leading voice in transport innovation.
Full biography coming soon!