Our first cross-team Public Authority Training Consortium (PATC) event will taking place in Llandudno, North Wales.
The PATC has been created to bring together colleagues from across the public sector to share knowledge, discuss common challenges and take part in practical, expert-led training designed with your day-to-day work in mind.
This inaugural event will include a mix of plenary and breakout sessions covering topics such as the impact of AI on legal services, planning and development, healthcare funding, employment law, procurement, dispute resolution and data protection. More information about the plenary and breakout sessions is included below.
Plenary session 1
AI and its impact on the Welsh public sector
Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing the way public sector organisations deliver services, offering opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making and better support communities. From automating routine tasks and analysing data to improving customer experience and operational planning, AI is becoming an important tool across a wide range of public services. However, its adoption also raises important questions around governance, transparency, data security, ethics and accountability. This session will examine how AI is being used across the Welsh public sector, explore both the opportunities and challenges, and consider the practical steps organisations can take to adopt AI responsibly and effectively.
Breakout session 1
You will need to choose one of the following sessions to attend.
Employment Rights Act Update and Managing Fair Disciplinary Processes
Elinor Corbet-Jones will examine how public sector organisations can ensure fairness and accountability in disciplinary processes while reducing the risk of grievances, tribunal claims and reputational damage. Attendees will gain practical guidance on managing investigations, hearings and decision-making effectively within complex public sector environments, alongside insight into common procedural pitfalls. The session will also provide an update on key Employment Rights Act developments and emerging employment law changes affecting public sector employers, HR teams, managers and governance professionals.
The Procurement Act in Wales: Transparency, Notices and Compliance in Practice
The new procurement regime places transparency at the heart of public sector contracting, but the notice requirements can be difficult to navigate in practice — knowing what to publish, when and why. In this focused and interactive session, Liz Fletcher, Head of Procurement, will examine key publication points under the Procurement Act 2023, including what needs to be published and when. The session will also touch on Welsh-specific considerations, including socially responsible procurement duties and the importance of maintaining a clear audit trail, while highlighting common pitfalls and areas of challenge risk through practical examples.
From Planning to Delivery: Managing Risk and Avoiding Disputes in Public Sector Development
This session provides a joined-up view of risk across the lifecycle of public sector projects, from planning through to construction and delivery. Alex Madden will highlight key planning risks through case law and practical insights, while Matthew Stevens will focus on how early decisions and effective governance can help prevent construction disputes. Together, they will offer practical guidance to support robust decision-making, reduce legal risk and improve project outcomes.
Breakout session 2
You will need to choose one of the following sessions to attend.
Maximising NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
Join Lisa Morgan, Head of Healthcare, for a session on maximising NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) funding. The session will demystify the rules, explain eligibility and outline the assessment pathway, while highlighting common issues that can lead to unnecessary costs for councils. It will also explore how CHC Direct Payments work, when they can be used and the opportunities they present, alongside practical solutions to help navigate the process effectively. This session is ideal for anyone looking to build confidence in CHC and gain a clearer understanding of how to maximise available funding opportunities.
Cyber Incidents and Data Breaches
Tracey Singlehurst-Ward and Richard Locke will lead this practical session exploring how cyber incidents can rapidly escalate into legal, regulatory and governance crises. Using a fictional local authority ransomware attack scenario, the session will examine incident response priorities, common pitfalls, regulatory notification requirements, supplier disputes, litigation risks and the importance of legal professional privilege. Attendees will gain practical guidance on managing communications, preserving privilege, protecting evidence and responding effectively to claims, investigations and wider reputational challenges following a data breach.
Telecoms Lease Renewals: Key Considerations for Public Authorities
Eilir Huws, will lead a focused session exploring telecoms lease renewals from a commercial property perspective. Designed for professionals across public authorities, this session will provide practical guidance on responding to approaches from telecoms operators. We will highlight common issues arising during renewals, key legal and commercial considerations, and practical tips to help protect your position while achieving efficient outcomes. The session will also cover recent trends and challenges within the telecoms landscape, equipping attendees with the knowledge to respond confidently and effectively when operators seek to renew or renegotiate existing agreements.
Plenary session 2
Data Protection, Information Rights and Local Government: Current issues for Welsh Public Authorities
In our second plenary session we will examine current data protection and information rights issues affecting public authority lawyers in Wales. We will cover recent developments and some specific matters identified by delegates as current concerns in their daily practise, including: changes brought about by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, international data transfers, subject access, complaints handling, and the continuing interaction between data protection, Freedom of Information Act requests and Environmental Information Regulations requests.
The session will focus on areas of public authority practice, including social care, health and education records, procurement and cloud-based systems, councillor and officer communications, commercially sensitive information, legal privilege, and the handling of complex or politically sensitive FOI requests.
Register your interest
If you would like to attend this event, please fill in the form below.
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