Event Details

New to the 2026 program, the Thought Leaders Forum will celebrate old scholars whose work is helping shape industries, communities and ideas around the world.

Join Rhodes Scholar, former School Captain and Global Chief Innovation Officer at Baker McKenzie, Ben Allgrove (W&A 1995) as he explores the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence. 

In this session, Ben will reflect on his journey from Saints to becoming Global Chief Innovation Officer at Baker McKenzie, share his insights on the future of work in an AI-enabled world, and explore the skills young people will need to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

Event details:
Date: Sunday 8 November 
Time: 11.00am - 1.30pm
Venue: Big School Room, SPSC
Format: Sit down Q&A followed by a light lunch & refreshments. 
Tickets: Complimentary

This invitation extends to anyone in the School community that is interested in understanding how AI is shaping our professions, communities and daily lives. SPSC students attending are required to wear full school uniform.

Tickets to this event are complimentary, however we kindly ask that you confirm who will be attending. Registration will open closer to the time. 

About the Speaker:

Now based in London, Ben Allgrove is a recognised international authority on AI and innovation, having advised organisations including Google, OpenAI and Meta. Chambers ranks him among the leading AI legal practitioners in the UK. As Chief Innovation Officer, he advises Baker McKenzie's Board on AI strategy and sponsors the firm's efforts to transform legal practice through AI.

The Financial Times recently recognised Ben as one of the world's leading legal intrapreneurs of the past twenty years. His views on AI have been featured by the New York Times, BBC, Australian Financial Review, Wall Street Journal and Straits Times, among many others.

Ben's interest in AI dates back more than two decades. In 2002 he left Adelaide for graduate study at Oxford, where he wrote a thesis entitled Legal Personality for Artificial Intellects: Science Fiction or Practical Solution - a topic considered so far ahead of its time that it was declined for publication on the basis that it was not sufficiently topical.

Other events of interest | Sunday 8 November: 

Community Chapel Service - 10.30am
The Chapel doors will be open as we warmly welcome old scholars and current families to gather in acknowledgement of our Anglican tradition and values. Led by School Chaplain Father Theo McCall, the 30-minute service will be a heartfelt time of worship, song, reflection and gratitude. 

SPOC Motor Club ‘Show and Shine’ - 11.00am to 2.00pm
Bring your family and friends along to admire an impressive display of cars spanning a range of vintages and models and share in the community spirit. SPOC Music will be performing, with a coffee van, BBQ and facepainting adding to a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for all ages. 

To view the full Back to Saints program and find out more about the individual events, click here.