EPIC AGM & Conference 2026
Free and open only to EPIC members.
Join us for the EPIC AGM and Conference on the 8th October. This year’s programme will focus on the rapidly evolving landscape of local government reorganisation and devolution, alongside the formal AGM business and updates from across the EPIC network. We are also pleased to welcome Christopher Hammond, CEO of UK100, who will deliver the keynote address and share insights on the opportunities and challenges facing local authorities.
The afternoon will feature interactive sessions designed to encourage discussion and knowledge sharing between members. Highlights include a workshop reflecting on Noise Action Week 2026 and the launch of the 2027 campaign.
Breaks will be scheduled throughout the day, including a one-hour lunch break. All EPIC members are encouraged to attend and contribute to what promises to be an informative and forward-looking event.
Our Chair
James Langley, Cornwall Council
Our speakers
Christopher Hammond, UK100
Keynote speech: Making It Work: Environmental Delivery in Changing Local Government Systems
Christopher Hammond is the Chief Executive of UK100 - the only cross-party network of local leaders and councils committed to ambitious climate action. Their work is regularly cited as sector-leading, with the Minister for Climate highlighting UK100 as an exemplar in local climate delivery. Previously, Christopher served as the leader of Southampton City Council from 2018-2021. During his tenure as a councillor (2013-2022), he led the creation of a new 5-year clean air strategy, which delivered a 30% reduction of the most dangerous pollutants across the city. He created the Green City Charter subsequently signed by 75 major city organisations. In 2020, he was shortlisted for ‘Leader of the Year’ at the LGIU Councillor Awards. Since joining UK100 in 2021, Christopher has doubled the network's size. In 2026, they won a Utility Week award for their programme of work supporting local energy decarbonisation. Christopher holds a degree from Bournemouth University, which named him its 2019 Alumni of the Year. He was born in Dagenham, East London.
About EPIC
The Environmental Policy Implementation Community (EPIC) is a member-led, specialist interest group at the IES. The community works together to understand delivery challenges, support pracitioners and advocate for implementation-minded policy. Our members are local authority officers and others delivering action on air quality, climate change, nature recovery, contaminated land and noise pollution on the ground.
Membership of EPIC is free to all IES members, and all environmental professionals working in local authorities. You can register for membership here. EPIC members working in contaminated land in local authorities will also be able to join the National Contaminated Land Officers Group (NCLOG).
Banner image: Leeds UK - City Hall. Spring time cherry blossoms. Tupungato © Adobe Stock
