Conference Schedule:

Monday 19th September

10:00 - 12:00

Rural Transport Session

• John Birtwistle, Head of Policy, First Bus
  "The future for rural buses"
  View John Birtwistle's biography here
  
  
• Councillor Adam Paynter, Deputy Group Leader - Independent Group & Vicky Fraser, Service Director for Environment and Connectivity, Cornwall Council
  View Councillor Adam Paynter's & Vicky Fraser's biographies here
  
  
• Midlands Connect
  "Improving rural transport options"

13:30 - 14:30

Rural Cost of Living Crisis

• Graham Biggs MBE, Chief Executive, The Rural Services Network
  View Graham Biggs' Biography here
  
  
• Alistair Donohew, Director, Kovia Consulting
  View Alistair Donohew's biography here
  

Panel Discussion on the current challenges of the Rural Cost of Living Crisis

Panellists:

• Lisane Warwick, Benefit & Welfare Advisor, Hastoe Housing Association
  View Lisane Warwick's biography here
  
  
• Nick Hubbard, Citizens Advice Bureau
  View Nick Hubbard's biography here

Tuesday 20th September

10:00 - 12:00

Rural Regeneration Session

• National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE)
  
  
• Charles Trotman, Senior Economist, Countryside and Land Association
  "Using the Rural Powerhouse towards economic regeneration"
  View Charles Trotman's biography here
  
  
• Vince Muspratt, Director of Growth & Development, Norfolk County Council
  "Norfolk’s experience of the Community Renewal Fund"
  View Vince Muspratt's biography here

13:30 - 14:30

An Audience with Lord Benyon

• The Rt Hon Lord Benyon, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Rural Affairs, Access to Nature and Biosecurity)
  View Lord Benyon's Biography here

Wednesday 21st September

10:00 - 12:00

Rural Health, Care and Wellbeing Session

• Pip Cannons, Chief Executive Officer, Community Catalysts
  "Healthy communities – helping communities unlock their capacity to care"
  View Pip Cannons' Biography here
  
  
• Gareth Elliott, Director of Policy and Communications, Mobile UK
  "Technology in health report"
  View Gareth Elliott's Biography here
  
  
• Mark Cooke, South West Director of Strategy and Transformation, NHS England and NHS Improvement
  "Transformation in Rural Health"
  View Mark Cooke's Biography here

14:00 - 15:00

RSN Session  - Reducing Rural Inequalities and Improving Opportunities

• Kerry Booth, Chief Executive Designate, The Rural Services Network
  "Reducing Rural Inequalities – Impact of current approach on Rural Communities"
  View Kerry Booth's Biography here
  
  
• Graham Biggs MBE, Chief Executive, The Rural Services Network
  "Improving Opportunities for Rural Communities – what do we want from Government?"
  View Graham Biggs' Biography here
  

Thursday 22nd September

10:00 - 12:00

Rural Affordable Housing Session

• Ursula Bennion, Chair, Rural Housing Alliance
  "Improving Rural Opportunities – Affordable Housing for Local People"
  View Ursula Bennion's biography here
  
  
• Martin Collett, Chief Executive, English Rural
  "Reducing inequalities – what role can affordable rural housing play"
  View Martin Colletts' biography here

Friday 23rd September

10:00 - 12:00

Rural Net Zero Session

• Simon Green, Founder and CEO, Rural Design Centre (also speaking on behalf of Community Action Northumberland and NICRE)
  View Simon Green's biography here
  
  
• Emma Osmundsen, Managing Director, Exeter City Living
  "Delivering Future ready Homes"
  View Emma Osmundsen's biography here
  
  
• Samantha Shea, Head of Policy Insight and Engagement & Rory Mathews, Senior Economic Analyst, Gemserv 
  View Samantha Shea's & Rory Mathews' biographies here

• Malcolm Farrow, Head of Public Affairs & Paul Rose, Chief Executive, OFTEC
  "Decarbonising rural heating – achieving a fair and affordable transition"
  View Malcolm Farrow's & Paul Rose's biographies here

Feedback from last year's conference:

"The range of topics and speakers, and the interactivity of the sessions across the week at this conference, has been not only illuminating, but also friendly and inclusive. Thank you to everyone." 

Mrs Lois Dale – Shropshire Council

---

"Thank you everyone for organising a thoughtful and engaging conference covering a broad range of themes and current issues."

Conrad Moore - Stroud District Council

---

"It is a fantastic conference that takes a holistic approach by looking at the urban as well as the rural. They are two part of the same coin and can't been seen in isolation. A lot of thought has gone into the selection of Speakers and the messaging is on point. It seems that there is a great team driving this event that is really approachable in tone."

Kay Sentence - Thame Community Land Trust

---

"It was a great opportunity to share experiences and ideas and what others are doing."

Stephen Brain - Worcestershire County Council

---

"I very much liked that it was online as I wouldn't have been able to attend otherwise. Very interesting presentations and I would certainly attend again if circumstances allow. Thank you to everyone for organising this event."

Janice McColm - Tees Valley Rural Action