Speakers
Session
Public sector organisations are operating in an increasingly complex and disruptive environment, facing challenges ranging from cyber incidents and extreme weather events to financial pressures, organisational change, and evolving stakeholder expectations. Against this backdrop, resilience has become a strategic imperative rather than simply an operational responsibility.
In this session, Hugh will explore why business continuity matters more than ever and how the discipline is evolving beyond traditional planning towards a broader organisational resilience approach. Drawing on extensive experience across both the public and private sectors, he will examine the current public sector resilience landscape, what good practice looks like, and the key challenges organisations face in maintaining critical services during periods of disruption.
The session will also highlight the important connections between organisational resilience, risk management, and the insurance market, demonstrating how a proactive approach can strengthen risk profiles and support better outcomes. Through recent case studies and practical examples, Hugh will share lessons learned from real-life incidents and provide insight into emerging risks, future trends, and the steps public sector organisations can take to enhance their resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.
Hugh has spent more than two decades helping organisations strengthen their resilience, manage uncertainty, and prepare for disruption. As Head of Strategic Risk Consulting for Gallagher Risk Management Solutions, he leads the delivery and development of Gallagher's business continuity and enterprise risk management services, supporting clients across both the public and private sectors.
Alongside his leadership role, Hugh remains an active consultant, bringing extensive hands-on experience gained since beginning his consultancy career in 2001. Prior to joining the insurance and consulting sector, he held senior in-house business continuity positions at Barclays Bank PLC and a top three UK building society, where he served as Group Business Continuity Manager.
Hugh has advised organisations of all sizes, from SMEs to FTSE 100 companies, as well as Local Authorities, and other public sector bodies and critical service providers. His practical, strategic approach combines deep technical expertise with real-world experience of helping organisations build resilience, manage risk, and respond effectively to evolving threats and challenges.