Kath O’Dwyer
Chair, SolaceKath has worked in Local Government for most of her career, in several North West Local Authorities and as National Director for Social Care in Ofsted. She started her career as a social worker and held the roles of Director of Children’s Services; Executive Director for People Services and Deputy Chief Executive.
Kath roles included significant focus on organisational improvements, culture change and service transformation. She is an advocate of sector-led improvement and is passionate about workforce engagement and social value. She was the chief executive at St Helen's from 2020 to 2024.
Kath is now Chair at Solace.
My Speaker Sessions
Thursday 26 November 2026
Maintaining ethic in a politically turbulent world
As councils navigate growing scrutiny over conduct, transparency and public trust, Kath O'Dwyer, chair of Solace and chair of the Solace Commission on Professional Standards and Ethics, sets out why robust standards and ethical leadership matter more than ever for the sector. Drawing on the Commission's work, she explores what good practice looks like, where the current framework falls short, and what needs to change to strengthen public confidence in local government.
