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STEP CONNECT2

Government Partnerships

Government Partners

 

We were proud to welcome representatives from 5 nations for an interactive panel discussion at Learning Environments Northern Ireland in 2025.

From left to right:

  • Neal O'Leary | Programme Director - Education Infrastructure | Welsh Government
  • Duncan Craig | Technical Policy Lead | Department for Education
  • Andy Dailly | Head of School Building | Scottish Government
  • Aine Cusack | Director | Department of Education and Youth
  • Seamus Gallagher | Acting Director of Investment & Infrastructure | Department of Education

A collaborative approach

Our partnerships are built on collaboration. We work closely with Government teams to understand their priorities, audiences and objectives, ensuring each event reflects the needs of the sector it serves.

This collaborative approach often includes:

  • Regular planning meetings with Government partners

  • Advisory groups made up of sector experts

  • Conference programmes shaped around policy priorities and sector challenges

  • Government participation through keynote presentations and panel discussions

By working together in this way, events become more than conferences - they become trusted platforms for dialogue, knowledge sharing and sector development.

Connecting policy and delivery

Infrastructure sectors rely on strong collaboration between Government, operational leaders and delivery partners. Our events provide an environment where these groups can come together to discuss priorities, share best practice and explore new ideas.

Across our portfolio, events bring together:

  • Government policymakers and public sector leaders

  • Infrastructure delivery partners and programme managers

  • Architects, consultants, engineers and construction specialists

  • Technology and innovation providers

  • Estates and operational professionals

This broad representation helps ensure discussions reflect both policy objectives and practical delivery challenges.

 

The Department for Education stand at Education EstatesĀ® 2025 was a hive of activity

Supporting sector communities

Many of our events are developed with Government partners and sector organisations, creating platforms that support the development of professional communities around key infrastructure sectors.

Through conferences, exhibitions, forums and awards programmes, these events bring together stakeholders who share a common interest in improving the environments where people live, learn and work.

Over time, these platforms grow into established sector gatherings that support collaboration, innovation and long-term progress.