For many colleagues across UK ambulance services, the Ambulance Leadership Forum (ALF) may be something they’ve heard about but never attended. ALF is the UK’s flagship annual event for senior leaders across the NHS ambulance sector, hosted by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE).
Each year it brings together the most senior leaders, emerging talent, national partners and innovators shaping the future of our sector. ALF2026, held in March at the De Vere Beaumont Estate in Windsor, was a standout example of why the event continues to grow in relevance and influence.
With a sold‑out programme, powerful keynote messages and a renewed focus on digital innovation and long‑term sustainability, this year’s forum offered insights that will resonate widely with Keeping Pace readers.
The overarching theme — sustainability, spanning environmental responsibility, financial resilience and lasting cultural change — gave the programme a clear sense of direction and purpose.
A record‑setting year
ALF2026 reached full capacity several weeks before the event, with 375 conference attendees and 330 guests at the awards dinner.
The delegate list reflected the breadth of the modern ambulance sector: AACE members from every trust, national partners, universities, charities, NHS England, commissioners, the King’s Fund, representatives from the Global Paramedic Leadership Alliance, and international visitors.
Attendees ranged from chairs and CEOs to advanced paramedics, analysts, chief digital officers, freedom to speak up guardians and staff network leads.
We also welcomed media representatives from the Health Service Journal as well as our event media partner, The Nineteen Group, which publishes the Emergency Services Times and organises the Emergency Services Show.
One notable trend was the increased presence of external stakeholders — particularly commissioners — reflecting a growing appetite across the wider system to understand and collaborate with ambulance services.
Keynotes that challenged and inspired
Three keynote speakers stood out for the strength and clarity of their messages.
- Professor Sir Chris Whitty delivered a compelling call to action on health inequalities, grounding his message in data and urging ambulance leaders to consider their unique role in addressing the social and structural factors that shape patient outcomes.
- Lord Victor Adebowale focused on leadership diversity and the need for ambulance leaders to step confidently into system‑wide roles. His challenge to accelerate progress on representation resonated strongly with delegates.
- Karin Smyth MP, minister for ambulances, attended in person, signalling the national importance of the sector and the government’s interest in its future direction.
Sessions that captured attention
Among the most talked‑about sessions were the digital hackathon workshops, a new feature for 2026. These sessions explored practical applications of AI and digital tools.
Liam Sagi, the AACE National Strategic Lead for Out‑of‑Hospital Cardiac Arrest, presented on the GoodSAM video triage pilot at East of England Ambulance Service. His session drew immediate and particular interest from multiple trusts.
The evidence he shared on improved patient outcomes and enhanced support for bystanders prompted several organisations to explore replicating the model.
Feedback from partners and sponsors
Sponsors and exhibitors were overwhelmingly positive, with nine already expressing interest in returning for ALF2027.
Many commented on the value of being able to join sessions, learn directly from senior leaders and build meaningful connections. The atmosphere was described as energising and collaborative, with several partners sharing enthusiastic reflections on LinkedIn.
A few of the comments received after the event really capture the tone:
- “A really well organised event… the innovation on show was inspiring.” – conference delegate
- “ALF was brilliant this year and ran incredibly smoothly.” – media attendee
- “An excellent conference… a great opportunity to celebrate amazing colleagues.” – CEO attendee
- “Thank you for the thought and consideration shown during Ramadan.” – sponsor
A programme shaped by the sector
This year’s agenda included several new formats introduced in response to feedback from ALF2025. These included a CEO panel, sessions proposed by national director groups and a stronger emphasis on digital innovation.
The sustainability theme was woven throughout, with speakers and panels exploring how ambulance services can reduce environmental impact, strengthen financial resilience and embed cultural change that supports long‑term improvement.
The result was a programme that felt more representative of the sector’s priorities and more responsive to the challenges leaders are facing.
A standout awards evening
The awards dinner was a major success, offering a chance to recognise exceptional colleagues from across the UK. Delegates praised the organisation, atmosphere and sense of celebration — a reminder of the pride and commitment that underpin the ambulance community.
This year’s recipients of the outstanding service awards represented the full breadth of the sector: front‑line clinicians, control centre teams, managers, support staff, students and volunteers. Each had demonstrated a level of commitment that went far beyond their day‑to‑day roles, contributing to improved patient care, stronger community well‑being and a more resilient ambulance service.
The ceremony highlighted stories of remarkable leadership, quiet acts of compassion, technical excellence and creative problem‑solving. Delegates spoke warmly about the emotional impact of seeing colleagues recognised in front of peers from across the UK. The awards reinforced a shared sense of purpose and reminded attendees of the extraordinary work happening every day across services.
ALF2026 Outstanding Service Award Winners
- Outstanding champions of innovation or change — Gavin Thompson, Deputy Head of Infection Prevention and Control, and the IPC Team, South East Coast Ambulance Service
- Outstanding service as a manager — Kate O’Neil, Business Support Manager, Isle of Man Ambulance Service
- Exceptional service in a non‑paramedic clinical role — Declan Mullen, EMT Supervisor, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service
- Exceptional support services member — Angela Jennings, Fleet and Equipment Support Manager, North West Ambulance Service
- Exceptional paramedic manager — Gavin McIntosh, Team Leader, Paisley Station, Scottish Ambulance Service
- Exceptional mentor or tutor / educator — Gerard O’Dea, Head of the Community Engagement Team, National Ambulance Service of Ireland
- Exceptional volunteer — Peter Cooper, Community First Responder, South Central Ambulance Service
- Exceptional specialist paramedic — Chris Rios‑Love, Advanced Paramedic Practitioner, London Ambulance Service
- Exceptional team — NHS Pathways Team, Yorkshire Ambulance Service
- Outstanding service as a paramedic — Marcus Turner‑Leeper, Paramedic, East of England Ambulance Service
- Exceptional administrator — Jen Lloyd, Interim Business Manager, Welsh Ambulance Service
- Outstanding service within EOC / control services — Vickie Whorton, Integrated Emergency and Urgent Care Clinical Commander, West Midlands Ambulance Service
- Outstanding champion of employee wellbeing — Judith Grieves, Service Delivery Manager (EOC) and Vice Chair of Able@NEAS, North East Ambulance Service
- Exceptional pre‑registration student paramedic — Tegan Moorey, Pre‑Registration Student Paramedic, South Western Ambulance Service
- Outstanding service to non‑emergency patient transport services (PTS) — Jeffrey Mills, East Midlands Ambulance Service
- Excellence in the field of diversity — Pauline Hogarth, Project Manager, Deputy Chair of the National Ambulance Disability Network and Chair of Able@NEAS, North East Ambulance Service
- Outstanding contribution to cultural improvement — Kerry Gulliver, Director of People, East Midlands Ambulance Service
Resources for those who couldn’t attend
The main hub for all ALF2026 content — including presentations, photos, agenda materials and post‑event resources — is available here.
All presentations and the full agenda are also available directly here.
The ALF2026 event guide is accessible here.
The guide includes ten in‑depth articles on leadership, innovation and sector priorities — highly recommended for Keeping Pace readers.
Why ALF matters
In reflecting on the event, Helen Vine, AACE Assistant Director and ALF event co‑ordinator, said:
ALF is the only leadership conference dedicated to the ambulance sector, and people really value being part of it. Every year we see more appetite for connection, reflection and partnership working.
The sense of community is growing, and the desire not to miss out on those conversations is stronger than ever.
Her comments capture the spirit of a forum that continues to evolve while staying rooted in the needs of the sector.
For anyone interested in showcasing work or partnering with us at ALF2027, the organising team welcomes early contact via alf@aace.org.uk.
