Be part of the debate in the PLMR Policy Hub at Labour Party Conference 2024 – in the heart of the secure zone.

We will be joined by leading figures from across the Labour Party and by sector experts as they share their insights, perspectives and thoughts on the key political priorities of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s new Government.

Located within the secure zone, in Arena Room 4 in the ACC, the PLMR Policy Hub will host a range of exciting panel events and receptions throughout conference.

See the full programme below, or download it here: PLMR Events at Labour Conference 2024.

Sunday 22 September

PLMR

14:00 – 15:00

Financial sustainability in Higher Education: How the government, the sector and the regulator can work together to develop a fair, sustainable system for the long-term

The higher education sector continues to face significant financial pressure, with many recognising the need to reform the funding model for universities. This event will bring together members of government, the higher education sector and researchers on HE finance to discuss how the financial pressure on universities can be addressed.

• Abtisam Mohamed, MP for Sheffield Central
• Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive, Universities UK
• Professor Richard Black, Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor, the University of Liverpool
• James Coe, Associate Editor, Wonkhe (Chair)

 

Etio and PLMR

           

15:30 – 16:30

How can the new government tackle the teacher workforce crisis?

Leading education specialists discuss the innovative solutions and collective action needed from those across the sector to tackle the growing recruitment and retention crisis within our schools.

•  Sarah Smith MP, MP for Hyndburn
• Sonia Kumar MP, MP for Dudley
• Leora Cruddas CBE, Chief Executive, Confederation of School Trusts
• Tom Rees, Chief Executive, Ormiston Academies Trust
• Dr Gordon Carver, UK Managing Director, Etio
• Freddie Whittaker, Deputy Editor & Political Editor, Schools Week (Chair)

The Vegan Society

17:00 – 18:00

Let food be thy medicine: how can Government take advantage of the opportunity presented by diet change to deliver a preventive health revolution?

Poor diets are a key driver of major health issues, yet the opportunity presented by encouraging wholesale diet shift has been overlooked successive Governments. How can we seize the opportunities of promoting plant-based diets as a healthy and sustainable option, to keep our population healthier for longer, and ensure the NHS is fit for future?

• Dr Simon Opher, MP for Stroud
• Jim Bligh, Director of Corporate Affairs and Packaging, Food and Drink Federation
• Tanya Haffner, Chair of the Sustainable Diets Specialist Group Committee, Association of British Dieticians
• Claire Ogley, Head of Campaigns, Policy and Research, the Vegan Society

 

The Bingo Association

19:00 – 21:00

Charity Bingo Reception

Celebrate the great game of bingo and the vital role clubs play in communities across Britain. For each game played, we’ll donate £250 to the winner’s charity of choice. To secure your space in advance, email bingo@plmr.co.uk

• Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley and Minister for Democracy and Local Growth
• Kirsty McNeill, MP for Midlothian and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland

 

Monday 23 September

The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH)

09:30 – 10:30

Unlocking Growth Through A One Health Approach

Bringing together experts from across the animal and human health sectors, we will explore how veterinary medicines and a One Health approach underpin animal welfare, human health, & societal wellbeing while driving the UK’s growth agenda.

• Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• Ruth Jones, MP for Newport West and Islwyn
• Dawn Howard, Chief Executive, NOAH
• Stuart Carroll, Director, Market Access and Policy Affairs, UK and Ireland, Moderna

 

Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and PLMR

 

11:00 – 12:00

Overcoming hurdles to spreading innovation in social care

Our panel will discuss why a future social care system must overcome some of the deep-rooted and systematic challenges facing our sector, including investment and workforce shortages, whilst looking forward to solutions including expanding access to innovative technologies and leveraging opportunities for investing in prevention and early support.

• Ben Coleman MP
• Kathryn Smith CEO, SCIE (Chair)
• Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, Assistant Director, TLAP
• Karolina Gerlich, Chief Executive, Care Workers’ Charity
• Anna Dixon MP (invited)

 

Curious Minds and Cultural Learning Alliance

12:15 – 13:15

Access to arts and cultural education: Helping Labour deliver creative opportunities for every child

A discussion on the vital role cultural education plays in breaking down barriers to opportunity. Featuring sector and policy leaders, conversations will explore how the cultural and education sectors can work with Labour to reverse the decline of arts in schools and deliver a creative entitlement for every child.

• Charlotte Santry, News Editor, Tes (Chair)
• Derri Burdon, CEO of Curious Minds & Co-Chair of the Cultural Learning Alliance
• John Slinger MP
• Geoff Barton, Chair of the Oracy Education Commission & former General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders
• Amy McGann, Head of National Schools Programme, Royal Ballet & Opera
• Amina Atiq, Poet & Young Teaching Artist

 

Association for Project Management (APM)

13:30 – 14:30

Major capital projects – how do we make the Labour manifesto a reality?

The Labour manifesto offers clear commitments to deliver on major projects, but is the UK ready to fulfil its potential? Join us for a panel debate bringing together those championing change with those delivering it.

• Dan Norris, MP for North East Somerset and Hanham and Mayor of the West of England
• Yvonne Thompson, APM President
• Dr Janet Young, Director General and Secretary, Institution of Civil Engineers
• Professor Martina Huemann, Editor, International Journal of Project Management
• Tim Hamilton, Public First (Chair)

 

SNRG

15:00 – 16:00

Microgrids – tackling grid constraints and funding renewables for 1.5 million new homes

Join SNRG’s event to hear from specialists in the energy and housing sectors on how microgrids are an essential tool to empower the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes – with the ability to unlock new sustainable developments at pace, overcome grid constraints, and provide low-cost energy bills.

• Dan Nicholls, Chief Product Officer, SNRG
• Andrew Lewin, MP for Welwyn Hatfield
• Sarwjit Sambhi, CEO, St Modwen
• Robbie Owen, Partner and Head of Infrastructure Planning & Government Affairs, Pinsent Masons
• David Adams, Strategic Advisor, Future Homes Hub
• Adam Miller, Chief Commercial Officer, ESP Utility Group
• Aditi Tulpule, Director of Strategy, Regulation and Compliance, SNRG

 

Jet2

17:00 – 18:30

Northern Business Reception

Join other businesses and policymakers to discuss the partnerships and investments that will drive economic growth across the North. To secure your space in advance, email jet2@plmr.co.uk

• Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
• Mike Kane MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security and MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East

 

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

19:00 – 20:30

Delivering transformative infrastructure for growth: the Institution of Civil Engineers Reception

This reception will bring together political leaders and policy experts to discuss how the new Government can deliver economic growth and meet its net zero commitments through bold action on infrastructure. RSVP via ICE@plmr.co.uk to secure your attendance.

• Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, Minister of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

 

Tuesday 24 September

PLMR

08:15 – 09:00

Charity and exhibitor breakfast

Charity representatives and those exhibiting at conference are welcome to join us for a relaxed breakfast and networking. Please RSVP to conference@plmr.co.uk

 

The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG)

09:30 – 10:30

Ending a National Scandal | Building the Right Support for Autistic People and People with a Learning Disability

The detention of autistic people and people with a learning disability in locked NHS settings is a national scandal, and one that is wholly avoidable. Our expert panel will explore the political, cultural and system changes needed to build the right support in the community.

• Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability and MP for East Ham
• Jen Craft, MP for Thurrock
• Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive, Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG)
• Les Warren, Managing Director, Reside With Progress
• Lucy Johnston, Health & Social Affairs Editor, Sunday Express (Chair)

 

Triple P

11:00 – 12:00

Delivering opportunity for all: why family support is the key for delivering Labour’s plans

Join policymakers and practitioners to explore the role evidence-based parenting programmes and wider family support can play to deliver Labour’s ambitions to break down barriers to opportunity for every child, delivering better mental health support, transforming children’s social care and improving life chances.

• Lucy Johnston, Health & Social Affairs Editor, Sunday Express (Chair)
• Anne Longfield, Chair of the Commission on Young Lives and Former Children’s Commissioner for England
• Matt Buttery, Chief Executive, Triple P
• Ryan Wain, Executive Director, Tony Blair Institute
• Donna Molloy, Deputy Chief Executive, Foundations
• Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland

 

OneSchool Global

12:30 – 13:30

How can we empower teachers to rediscover the joy of teaching?

Why have many teachers lost the joy of teaching and what can be done to recapture this spirit? Join OneSchool Global and industry leaders to learn about why empowering teachers to rediscover the joy of the profession is crucial for  attracting and retaining teachers and some of the innovative solutions which have been embraced to meet this challenge.

•  Tiffany Beck OBE, Head of Education, PLMR & Chair of Trustees, Maritime Academy Trust (Chair)
• Lord Knight, Former Minister of State for Schools and Learning
• Dr Selina Samuels, Global Director of Teaching & Education, OneSchool Global
• James Zuccollo, Director of Schools Workforce, Education Policy Institute
• Jack Worth, Lead Economist, National Foundation for Educational Research

 

PLMR

16:00 – 17:00

Power to the people: how can Britain deliver clean power and make it work for consumers?

This panel will discuss how the new Labour government can practically deliver its ambitious clean energy targets whilst also producing fair and positive outcomes for consumers. RSVP via energyevents@plmr.co.uk to secure your attendance.

• Megan Corton Scott, Deputy Director, Labour Climate Environment Forum (Chair)
• Alexander Gray, Deputy Director for External Affairs, Energy UK
• Joe Fortune, General Secretary, Co-Op Party
• Polly Billington, Chair, APPG for Renewable & Sustainable Energy and MP for East Thanet
• Bill Esterson, Chair, Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee and MP Sefton Central

 

Employment Related Services Association (ERSA)

17:30 – 19:00

Pathways to Employment: Unlocking the Potential of the UK’s Workforce

Hear policymakers and industry leaders discuss strategies to support people into work and overcome barriers to effective labour market participation. The event will focus on how we can join up employment support, health offers and skills training at a local level to ensure people can move into good work.

• Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands
• Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability and MP for East Ham

 

About PLMR

PLMR is one of the leading communications agencies in the UK. Our purpose is to make a positive and sustainable impact for our clients, our people and society. Working with a wide variety of clients, including multi-nationals, FTSEs, SMEs, the public sector, charities, trade bodies and disruptive start-ups, our 100-strong team of communications consultants provide public affairs, media relations, reputation management and crisis communications, social and digital marketing services from our offices in Westminster, the West Midlands, East of England and Scotland.

Please contact us via info@plmr.co.uk to find out how we can help you deliver real results from engaging with the new Labour Government and stakeholders from across the political spectrum.