Programme

There was a special energy around the annual CIVEA Conference and Awards Dinner — a moment when our sector comes together not just to discuss the challenges ahead, but to celebrate the expertise, professionalism and dedication of the people who deliver civil enforcement across England and Wales.

The CIVEA Conference 2026, took place in Central London on Thursday 23 April, and was our most ambitious and forward-looking event yet. With a powerful line-up of speakers, interactive panels, technology showcases and our evening Excellence Awards, the conference reflected the momentum building across the sector as we prepare for regulatory change, embrace innovation and strengthen our collective voice.

From local authorities and enforcement firms to technology partners, advisers and policy leaders, the conference is where insight met impact. Delegates had the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, share practical experiences and explore how collaboration can drive better outcomes for creditors, communities and the enforcement profession.

With great thanks to Dukes Bailiffs | Recover Debts With Award-Winning Specialists | England and Wales the Headline Sponsor of the Conference for supporting the event.

A Day of Insight, Ideas and Real Conversation
The programme was designed to explore the most pressing issues shaping the future of civil enforcement — including vulnerability and ability to pay, statutory regulation, technology and data, workforce skills and the evolving relationship between local authorities and enforcement providers.

The day opened with a welcome from CIVEA Chief Executive Russell Hamblin-Boone, who presented the findings of new research and set the scene for the discussions ahead, followed by a Key Note and an industry update from current CIVEA President, Sarah Naylor, providing insight into the latest developments across the sector.

Panel Discussions
A central feature of the conference was four in-depth panel sessions bringing together industry experts, policymakers, local authority leaders and enforcement professionals.

Panel 1 – Public Debt Recovery: How can technology support the delivery of ECB standards?

Sponsored by Rundles

This session explored how technology and data can help deliver better outcomes for creditors and customers while supporting the Enforcement Conduct Board’s standards.
Discussions included the role of enforcement data, the challenges created by recycling debt between firms, and how partnerships between local authorities and enforcement agents can be strengthened. Speakers also examined how communication methods and customer intelligence can be used to improve engagement and collection outcomes.

Panel speakers include representatives from InicioAI, TransUnion and Salford City Council, chaired by Amy Collins of Rundles.

Panel 2 – Preparing for Statutory Regulation

Sponsored by Marston

As the sector moves closer to statutory regulation, this session examined what effective and proportionate oversight should look like and how the industry should prepare.

Panellists discussed the potential role and evolution of the Enforcement Conduct Board, the future regulatory framework, and what governance and funding models may be required as the sector transitions to statutory oversight.

Speakers included representatives from the Enforcement Conduct Board, DEMSA, the Credit Services Association, the Finance & Leasing Association and independent policy experts, chaired by Edd Moore, Marstons.

Panel 3 – The Role of Enforcement in Supporting Communities and Upholding the Law

Sponsored by Bristow & Sutor

Chaired by BBC presenter Shari Vahl, this session explored the wider role enforcement professionals play in supporting communities and protecting public services.

Topics included tackling persistent evaders through better use of DVLA data, the role of enforcement agents in identifying vulnerable individuals and triggering support, and the welfare and safety challenges faced by agents working on the doorstep.

The discussion featured contributions from Mike Marrs, APN/BPA, Tracey Stone, Welfare Together, Helen Addis, Bristow & Sutor and Tom Clark, LACEF Chair.

Panel 4 – Question Time: The Future of Civil Enforcement
The final session of the day was an interactive “Question Time” style discussion, giving delegates the opportunity to contribute their views and raise questions with industry leaders.

Topics included the future challenges facing enforcement companies, how local authorities and enforcement providers can work together to improve collection outcomes, and the innovations that will shape the next phase of the sector’s development.

Networking, Technology and Collaboration
Alongside the conference sessions, delegates were able to visit the exhibition hall, where leading technology providers, data specialists and operational partners showcased solutions supporting the next generation of civil enforcement services.

The exhibition remains one of the most vibrant parts of the conference, providing valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration and exploring new approaches to improving service delivery.