The CPA National Conference 2025

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The CPA National Conference 2025





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When: Thursday 10th July 2025
Location: Clifford Chance, London / Virtual
CPD Hours: 4.5 Hours
Timings: Registration: 9.15, Start: 10.00; Close: 16.45; Followed By Drinks Reception
Price: £310 + VAT. CPA Member Price: £240 + VAT, when using the discount code in marketing email.
The Compulsory Purchase Association's National Conference is the premier networking and CPD event in the CPA calendar and indeed in the wider compulsory purchase and compensation sector. With a wide ranging programme and pre-eminent set of speakers, If you do CPO work, this is a must attend event for technical knowledge, sector updates and networking.

It seeks to brief members and non members on key matters connected with the practice of compulsory purchase and compensation.

The CPA National Conference 2025 sponsors:

Landmark Chambers & Francis Taylor Building

Programme:

Welcome breakfast for new members of the CPA and CPA Future (Book here).

Welcome & Introduction by Conference Chair - A state of the Nation Address

Planning and Infrastructure Bill
  • What are the key features it includes in respect of CPO and land assembly?

Rewiring the Grid, Electricity Transmission (Compensation) Act 2023 and The Role of CP in delivering land for the renewal energy revolution

How Meaningful Engagement De-Risks CPO Projects and Builds Public Trust
This session will explore the contrasting directions in government policy - reducing consultation under the DCO regime while enhancing community engagement requirements in CPO guidance. It will focus on how early, meaningful consultation isn’t just compliance but a strategic tool to de-risk projects, reduce objections, and build trust.
  • The new landscape of engagement – Exploring recent policy changes and their implications
  • The case for early engagement – How proactive consultation reduces risks and delays
  • Building trust and positive perception – Positioning projects as collaborative and beneficial
  • Driving projects forward through engagement – Practical strategies to integrate engagement into project planning

The Risks to having your CPO Confirmed and Failing Post Confirmation
  • The evolving expectations on negotiation
  • The changing culture in PINS
  • Greater scrutiny
  • Viability
  • Inertia in the planning process; inertia beyond the first resolution
  • Changes to the scheme
  • Change of political leadership

How Changing Words Changes Outcomes
  • When the outcome is defined, and negative, how can communication make things better – or worse?
  • How can the science of conversation identify the components of the art of conversation?
  • How can CPO practitioners build better communications into meetings where clients are involved

Case Review

Speakers

John Sayer, Ardent; Chair of The CPA
David Holland, Immediate Past Chair of the CPA, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP
James Neil, Dalcour Maclaren
Bruce Pollard, National Grid
Daisy Noble, Francis Taylor Building; Vice Chair of the CPA
David Baker, Baker Rose Ltd
Sam Burstall, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Zoe MacDonald, Herbert Smith Freehills
Elizabeth Stokoe, Loughborough University
Liz Neate, Deloitte
Richard Turney KC, Landmark Chambers
Tom Hacker, Ardent
Katie Kempthorne, Clifford Chance LLP

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