This year, for the first time, Essex County Council opens its learning and development doors to all public sector employees. Join LearnFest 2024 on the 3 and 5 December where you can access a range of training and development sessions designed to help you learn new skills and progress in your chosen career.
LearnFest 2024 is open to all public sector employees from across the UK. Whether you work in healthcare, education, local government, or any other public sector organisation, you’re invited to be part of this exciting learning event.
Take a sneak peek at the guests on our agenda…
This year’s theme is Pioneering Our Future: Innovate, Lead, and Grow.
Connect with thought leaders, explore cutting-edge technology, and drive sustainable change.
Digital Frontiers: Innovating for Tomorrow – Embrace the digital revolution! Discover how tech transforms work, boosts efficiency, and sparks innovation. Lead the charge in a tech-forward future and make a real impact in your role.
Sustainability Pioneers: Leading Sustainable Initiatives – Be a Green Pioneer! Embrace eco-friendly practices, lead by example, and drive positive change for a sustainable future. Learn how your efforts can make a lasting impact.
Change Leaders: Adapting and Thriving in a Dynamic World – Embrace and drive change! Build resilience, develop new skills, and lead confidently in a dynamic world. Join us to turn challenges into opportunities and thrive together.
A keynote speaker in a learning and development environment within the public sector delivers a powerful, thought-provoking presentation that sets the tone for the event. They provide insights on critical industry trends, challenges, and opportunities, inspiring attendees to think differently and apply new ideas in their work. Their expertise helps shape the strategic direction of the event, offering valuable perspectives that drive professional growth and innovation in the public sector.
A fireside chat in the public sector learning environment offers an informal conversation between leaders or experts and participants. It provides a platform to discuss challenges, innovations, and best practices, fostering open dialogue and valuable takeaways for professional development.
A masterclass chat dives deep into a specific topic or skill, led by an expert. These practical, hands-on sessions equip participants with actionable knowledge and techniques, encouraging active participation and skill development for professional growth.
A panel discussion brings together experts to share diverse perspectives on key issues. This format promotes in-depth exploration, offering attendees broader insights and opportunities for interactive engagement, making it a cornerstone of professional development.
Join our Virtual Market Hall, an interactive space where you can connect with leading suppliers, download valuable resources, and engage in live chats with industry experts—all from the comfort of your own home. You can even win exciting prizes along the way.
Explore our virtual Career Pavilion, where our recruitment team will be on hand to discuss exciting career opportunities and provide access to valuable resources. Whether you’re looking to expand your career or explore new paths, this is your chance to connect.
Plus, don’t miss our special focus on Secondment Opportunities—a unique chance to elevate your career through fixed term opportunities that can broaden your skills and experience!
Day 1
Session 1
Session 2
OPENING and KEYNOTE: Thimon De Jong 9:15am – 10:30am:Future Human Behaviour – navigating and thriving during times of disruption, complexity and change
About the session: In a turbulent, digitalising, uncertain world, making sense of the future is more important than ever. Join world-renowned behavioural expert Thimon de Jong for entertaining insights and practical takeaways to future proof your careers, teams and organisation.
Thimon the Jong is a world-renowned behavioural expert who helps us understand what people are going to do next, what that practically means for everyone and the opportunities to future proof our careers, teams and organisation. By using a combination of academic research, sharing entertaining insights and practical take-aways Thimon will delve into how the ‘Polycrisis’ (pandemic, war, energy crisis etc) has impacted our relationship with change, trust, decision making and how we collaborate. In this fascinating session he will explore opportunities to navigate and embrace change including technology for a sustainable future and share ideas to look after our own and others wellbeing.
MASTERCLASS: Dr. David Hall 10:30am – 11:30am: Vision Led Innovation
About the session: Transforming Innovation through a creative ‘vision-led’ approach. We all get locked within the backward-looking confines of conventional and traditional thinking. Rather than processing numerous ideas, most of which fuel incremental change rather than innovation, “Vision-Led Innovation”. In this insightful session, David will introduce you to an alternative approach that starts with a visionary outcome and works backwards, locking the mind set into transformation. You will explore techniques to focus the mind on creativity and overcome mental blocks that otherwise constrain us all to “more of the same” thinking. To bring this to life there will also be an opportunity to apply the techniques shared to a digital or green challenge.
SPEAKER SESSION and Q&A: Russell Beck 10:30am – 11:30am: The world of work to 2030 – future proofing your organisation
About the session: Exploring future skills and the practical steps that can be taken to enable you and your organisation to be future ready. The world is changing and changing at an ever-faster rate. Globalisation, urbanisation, technology, climate and demanding workforces all threaten organisations whilst also offering tantalising opportunities. From a personal perspective, increased life expectancy means we need to consider a 50-year career, yet AI and robots are challenging the very nature and longevity of work. Please note this is session has been designed to support leaders and managers but is open to everyone.
MASTERCLASS: Dr David Pugh, Digital Catapult 12:30pm – 13:30pm: Digital Technologies for a Sustainable Future
About the session: Understand how digital tech is supporting the journey to net zero. This session, with Dr David Pugh – Director for Sustainable Industry, will share information on how technology is supporting companies on their paths to net zero, what has been successful in different industries and how these have created economic, environmental and social value for their communities.
KEYNOTE: Tony Juniper 13:30pm – 14:30pm: The true value of nature – does money really grow on trees
About the session: Tony is a highly celebrated sustainability speaker who enlightens audiences on how to achieve a more sustainable society and environment. He has dedicated his life to saving the planet and this passion that has played out throughout his career. A former Vice-Chair of Friends of the Earth International, Tony is currently the Chair of Natural England, the official Government organisation working for the conservation and restoration of the natural environment in England. He is also a Fellow with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), working as a member of the teaching faculty and contributing to several programmes, including The Prince Of Wales’s Business and Sustainability Programme, Chair of the rainforest organisation Cool Earth and a Trustee of Fauna and Flora International. Juniper also assists Union Bancaire Privée with impact investing strategies as a member of the Impact Advisory Board and as the co-chair of the Advisory Committee to the bank’s new pioneering biodiversity recovery fund.
MASTERCLASS: Mick Walker 15:00pm – 16:00pm: Paradigm Pioneers – How to instigate change
About the session: Change the way you think – become a ‘Trim Tab’. Paradigm Pioneers pave the way for new ways of thinking, working and living. In this thought provoking session Mick will explore why we resist or fear change, the opportunities, how change happens and the small and practical steps we can all take to achieve the change we want to see and become ‘Paradigm Pioneers’.
MASTERCLASS: Antionette Oglethorpe 16:00pm – 17:00pm: Embracing New Technologies and the Evolving Workplace
About the session: Future-proof your career – Harness the power of new technologies to thrive in the evolving workplace. In this session, Antionette will explore how emerging technologies such as AI, automation, and digital collaboration tools are reshaping the modern workplace and career paths. She will highlight the impact of these advancements on career development and the skills needed to stay competitive. Exploring how, by embracing technological change, leaders and employees alike can foster adaptability, innovation, and future-focused career strategies.
MASTERCLASS with Bernadette Thompson, OBE 16:00pm – 17:00pm: The leader’s role in transformation About the session: The importance of collaboration in creating a thriving and inclusive culture. Bernadette is the Director of EDI at Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. She has played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing inclusion strategies within multiple departments, fostering diversity, and driving cultural transformation. She is recognised for leveraging her leadership capabilities to innovate strategies that promote accountability and engagement, diversify talent pipelines, and create thriving work cultures. As a sought-after speaker and facilitator, Bernadette has a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and is dedicated to empowering individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. Her captivating keynotes, interactive sessions, and comprehensive consultancy services have made her a trusted partner in driving positive change.
Day 2
Session 1
KEYNOTE: Warren Knight 9:30am – 10:30am:Creativity in an AI and digital world – maximising our opportunities
About the session: Innovating for tomorrow – Discover how AI is transforming the digital landscape to create inclusive opportunities for all. This session will explore the exciting potential of AI, the reasons to be curious and enthusiastic about its future, and the essential skills needed to thrive in this evolving field. Join us to unlock the possibilities and prepare for a digitally inclusive tomorrow. Join world-renowned keynote speaker and change agent, Warren Knight for this fascinating keynote session exploring inclusive AI and Digital opportunities. Warren has a unique approach to humanising and transforming the way we view disruptive technology and will share practical opportunities to help individuals, teams and organisations reach their objectives. Hear how we can innovate for tomorrow, get curious, develop our skills and services to make positive choices around the opportunities the digital world presents.
MASTERCLASS: Dr. Hayley Lewis 10:30am – 11:30am – Flex and adapt! Leadership to support innovation
About this session: As leaders, we all have our go-to- style and preference but when it comes to innovation, one-size doesn’t fit all. Learn about the optimum leadership style at each stage of the innovation journey and the practical things you can do to develop your confidence in flexing and adapting to make innovation happen. Please note this is session has been designed to support leaders and managers but is open to everyone.
MASTERCLASS: Dr Anastasia Dedyukhina 11:30am – 12:30pm – Are your digital habits sustainable?
About this session: Discover how simple changes in your digital habits can help save the planet – starting today. Every digital action you take consumes energy, water, and natural resources, contributing to a growing global digital carbon footprint. In this highly practical interactive session available for anyone in the council with any level of digital tools knowledge, Dr. Anastasia Dedyukhina will help you see the true scale of your own digital carbon footprint and the key factors driving it. She will show you how small changes in your daily digital habits, both personally and at work, can make a big difference for the environment. You’ll leave with clear ideas on how to minimize your digital footprint, reduce your environmental impact, and take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future.
MASTERCLASS: Max Blumberg 12:30pm – 13:30pm – Pioneering your future: Leveraging Gen AI for Career Growth in Local Government
About this session: Join Dr. Max Blumberg for an interactive session on harnessing the power of Generative AI to enhance your career in local government. Learn how AI is reshaping our work and discover practical ways to leverage this technology for innovation, efficiency, and career advancement. To maximise the impact we’d encourage you to consider thinking about a task or process you find particularly time-consuming or repetitive in your current role. We will be exploring some of these during the session.
MASTERCLASS: Dr. Hayley Lewis 14:30pm – 15:30pm – Innovation – from idea to implementation
About this session: Many organisations develop employees in the early stages of innovation, such as creative techniques and group workshops, but what about the rest of the journey? Join Dr Hayley Lewis for this insightful session and learn about the skills that are essential for taking your idea through to implementation, and the tools and approaches that can help you along the way. Dr Hayley Lewis uses her deep expertise in the field of psychology, combined with first-hand experience of leading successful multi-million pound services, to help people create amazing workplaces, teams and careers where people can shine. Hayley has used her training as an occupational psychologist in the various leadership roles and has had plenty of first-hand experience of applying psychological theory to a variety of real-life situations.
CLOSE and KEYNOTE: Jo Salter, MBE 15:30pm – 17:00pm: Adopting a change mindset
About this session: Join inspirational speaker Jo Salter and hear how life in the military has uniquely positioned her to develop profound expertise in change management and embracing a change mindset. In an environment characterised by constant evolution and unforeseen challenges, Jo’s military career forced her to challenge the norm, break stereotypes and embrace change. Such experience has proved invaluable in her later career, having honed a change mindset that has allowed her to approach challenges with confidence and strategic insight. In this fascinating session Jo will share insights and opportunities to navigate, adopt and embrace a change mindset. Dr Jo Salter MBE, a trailblazer in aviation and leadership, is celebrated for her historic role as the first female fast jet pilot in the Royal Air Force. Flying the formidable Panavia Tornado, she joined the RAF at 18 and rapidly ascended through the ranks, ultimately becoming a Flight Lieutenant of the 617 Squadron. Beyond her military achievements, Jo has profoundly impacted the Air Cadets, inspiring future generations in the armed services. Her transition to the corporate world saw her excel in various leadership roles, including the Director of Global Transformative Leadership at PWC. An accomplished author, highly sought after speakers and educator, Jo’s insights on resilience, leadership and overcoming adversity resonate deeply. Her life’s journey, marked by determination and excellence, continues to inspire and educate, reflecting her profound commitment to empowering others.
Ticket Types & Pricing
There are different types of tickets available and you can join us for one day or both days.
Early Bird Tickets – Book before November 1st, 2024, to enjoy a discounted rate!
Group Bookings – Secure 10% off 10 or more tickets. Contact us directly for Group Bookings at Learn.Fest@essex.gov.uk
Ticket Type
1 day
Early Bird
£59
Regular
£79
Ticket Type
2 day
Early Bird
£99
Regular
£125
*pricing excludes VAT
“LearnFest is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skill set and try something new. The annual event enables public sector colleagues to learn new skills and hear from inspiring speakers. There are a wide range of courses which you can attend and it is a great way to enhance your professional skills.”
Emma Hall – Programme Communications Officer
“LearnFest is an exciting event that ignites your passion for learning and enhances your skill set. I’ve been so inspired by keynote speakers from previous years. It offers an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues from across the public sector and I’m looking forward to 2024’s event.”
Sadie Orwell – Specialist Recruitment Consultant
Proud to be sponsored by…
We are proud to be partnered with the above companies and organisations, who have invested time into providing learning opportunities for the event.
