Event Date: 17 Nov 2025 09:30 - 22:30

Location: Birmingham Conference & Events Centre

Cost: £85 - £185 (depending on ticket choice)

Conference

Discover how coaching and mentoring can spark creativity, systems thinking, and joy in the face of constant change — join public sector professionals from across the UK at our 18th annual conference, Beyond the Storm.

Beyond the Storm: The Art of Coaching and Mentoring When Nothing Stays Still

We are living and working in a BANI world – Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible. This year’s conference explores how coaching and mentoring — as relational, human-centred practices — can help people and systems respond to constant change.

We’ll be asking: What does it mean to coach or mentor beyond the storm?

This event aims to explore how coaching and mentoring — as distinct yet complementary practices — can help individuals, teams, and systems not only endure change, but respond with intention, imagination, and integrity. We’ll explore how these practices can meaningfully support people in BANI conditions by drawing on three vital forces:

• Creativity – to unlock fresh thinking and reframe constraint

• Systems Thinking – to see patterns, relationships, and the whole picture

• Joy – to sustain energy, hope, and meaning in uncertain times

These are not soft themes. They are core public sector competencies and coaching and mentoring are ideally positioned to nurture them.

Conference Outcomes

Participants will leave with:

• Clarity on how BANI conditions shape coaching and mentoring needs in public services
• Confidence to use creativity, systems thinking and joy as strategic tools to support clients
• Connection to a values-led community committed to courageous work
• Coaching and mentoring strategies for enabling transformation even in fragmented or pressured environments
• Recommitment to coaching and mentoring as a regenerative, future-shaping force

Conference Speakers

We are working on the final programme which we will share in the coming weeks, but to give you a taster of what to expect our speakers will include:

 

Dr Mark Batey

A world-leading authority in Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership, seamlessly blending cutting-edge academic insight and expertise with international practitioner experience as a speaker, consultant, coach, and facilitator. From contributing to the formation of the X-Factor team to pioneering the concept of Gogglebox and advising governments, his contributions are underpinned by over two decades of research in creativity and innovation. Diversity of thinking and inclusion form the bedrock of his professional approach. Mark has authored over 75 academic contributions, garnering 6000+ citations. He holds a PhD in Creativity from University College London and serves as Associate Editor of the International Journal of Creativity and Problem Solving. His clientele includes global organisations such as AB InBev, Bank of America, BBC, British Army, Channel 4, Dubai Government, G4S, ICBC, JC Decaux, Johnson & Johnson, NHS, The Premier League, Rolls-Royce, Royal Air Force, Sony Music, Tesco, Thales, Zain, and Zurich.

Ruth Kudzi, MCC

A coaching psychologist, bestselling author and founder of Optimus Coach Academy, known for making coaching deeply human, practical and evidence-based. With a career spanning public education, leadership and entrepreneurship, Ruth understands the pressures of delivering impact in resource-stretched environments—and is passionate about helping people reconnect with purpose, resilience and joy in their work. Her trademarked whole-person coaching model, rooted in psychology, neuroscience and somatics, has been used by thousands across the UK to create space for more honest, empowering conversations that strengthen connection, confidence and wellbeing - especially in times of change. 

Angela O’Brien OBE

Managing Director of Macdonald Associates Consultancy and Systems Leadership CIC, Angela works globally with organisations to create the conditions for people to thrive through Systems Leadership. With extensive experience in education and health, she has led transformation in schools serving disadvantaged communities, including taking one from among the lowest-performing nationally to Ofsted Outstanding in just three years. Angela now develops accredited practitioners in Systems Leadership worldwide and continues to support leadership development as an Associate Senior Leader at UCL. She was named Mentor/Coach of the Year at the 2024 Women in Change Awards.

Ian Macdonald

A Chartered Psychologist, Honorary Fellow of Brunel University, and co-author of Systems Leadership: Creating Positive Organisations (Routledge, 2018). For over four decades he has developed and applied Systems Leadership principles across a wide range of sectors worldwide, from health and finance to engineering, food production and community organisations. A founder of the Systems Leadership Development Association and Systems Leadership CIC, he continues to teach, train and accredit practitioners internationally, and has contributed to leading publications on leadership.

Join us at our 18th Annual flagship event for coaches, mentors, and leaders working in and alongside the UK public sector.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your coaching and mentoring journey, this conference offers valuable insights and development opportunities. For the past 18 years, we've brought together diverse perspectives from various backgrounds, creating an enriching environment for all attendees.

Don't miss this chance to be at the forefront of coaching and mentoring innovation.

Last year's conference highlights...

"Thought provoking, challenging (in a good way!) and a great space to connect with what really matters..." 

"Fantastic opportunity to engage with respected speakers ...networking, learning and having fun!"

Click here to book