Suzanne is an experienced finance professional having worked across a number of organisations as well as working as a consultant for a number of years. Now the Corporate Director for Finance and Resources at Huntingdonshire District Council. Suzanne is passionate about supporting people to be the best they can be.

Abdool Kara is an Executive Director at the National Audit Office, where he started in February 2017. He is responsible for the NAO’s local services financial audit and value for money portfolio shadowing the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; the Department of Health and Social Care; the Department for Education; and the Home Office. He also leads for the NAO on its knowledge and insights work. Prior to joining the NAO Abdool had 25 years’ experience in the local government sector, including working for four different councils up to and including chief executive level, and seven years at the Audit Commission working on both value for money and inspection. He also had a stint at the Cabinet Office advising on public service improvement. He is currently a strategic advisor to the Welsh Centre for Public Policy, and a Board Member of West Kent Housing Association.

Ian has worked in Local Government for over 25 years, working at Metropolitan Unitaries, County and District levels. In addition his career has included time with Independent Trusts, Joint Committees and Non-Departmental Public Bodies. As an experienced Chief Executive Officer and qualified accountant Ian is experienced in managing all areas of Strategy Development, providing clear support and advice to Elected Members on all elements of Service Delivery, Corporate Planning and Change Management, Governance and Financial Management. Over recent years, Ian has been the District representative on Devolution, including the development of a Vision 2050 document for Greater Lincolnshire which is now part of the Devolution agreement. Ian has been the Chief Executive for WLDC since December 2019. The Authority was shortlisted for LGC’s Council of the Year in 2023.

Nick is the Technical advisor for the Treasury Management and Pensions Networks at CIPFA. Nick leads on revisions to and guidance on the Treasury Management and Prudential Codes. He also advises on the changing Pension Fund Investment Landscape, particularly the current move towards greater pooling and consolidation of the Local Government Pension scheme. Nick consults with a wide range of stakeholders across his sectors, including practitioners, actuaries, advisors, regulators and senior civil servants. Nick has 14 years of experience as a Treasury practitioner at Principal officer level, 5 years experience overseeing Pension Fund Investments and 3 years experience managing a Banking team. Nick joined CIPFA in 2021. He is a rugby player and coach in his spare time and also enjoys hiking and powerlifting.