EPIC AGM & Conference 2026

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.

Read more about our Conference theme: Making It Work: Environmental Delivery in Changing Local Government Systems.

Our Chair

James Langley, Cornwall Council

Our speakers

Philip Glanville, UK100
Philip joined UK100 as Director of Advocacy and Engagement in January 2024, bringing over 17 years of experience of working in local and national government. Most recently he led politically on climate change, Net Zero and transport at London Councils and the Local Government Association. As the Mayor of Hackney, he unlocked award-winning work on regeneration, housing, active travel, clean air and the circular economy. He has extensive advocacy, engagement, campaigns and policy experience from both the political and third sectors.

Jonny Pickering, CIEH
Jonny Pickering is Policy and Public Affairs Officer at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and is a policy lead for their work on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and English Devolution as well as on their Noise Pollution work. CIEH is the professional body of the Environmental Health Profession in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a significant number of its over 7,000 members work for local authorities in England undergoing LGR. As part of this process, CIEH has reached out to its members and the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) working for councils in the 21 LGR areas and has had the privilege to meet with them to discuss how LGR is affecting them and what the challenges and opportunities of the restructures are for them their teams. Jonny has been involved in these discussions and advocacy as well as the development of LGR resources for members and EHPs usage during the LGR process.

Previously Jonny worked for Marie Curie UK in their Research Management and Community Fundraising teams and holds a Bachelors Degree in Politics from the University of Exeter and a Masters Degree in Africa and International Development from the University of Edinburgh.

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