The fact that this year’s SOLACE Summit is the biggest in a decade is perhaps a sign that we are undergoing a period of significant change. The need to share learning and discuss the issues council chief executives and senior managers are facing has never been greater.

Speaking to The MJ ahead of the Summit, Jo Miller reflects on the shocks that have rocked the nation – and indeed the world – during her first year as SOLACE president. ‘I would not have thought we would have had a General Election this year, for one. And then we had several significant terrorist incidents and Grenfell. So, as with everything, we are living with a pace of change that is the fastest it has ever been and the slowest it is ever going to be. But we have got to carry on.’