Delivering Public Service using Technology

Name: Delivering Public Service using Technology
Start: 2025-07-17T08:30:00+00:00
End: 2025-07-17T13:20:00+00:00

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Technology is crucial, but legacy systems, limited budgets, and a skills gap are major obstacles for the public sector. With 58% of councils reporting a digital skills shortage in a 2023 Local Government Association survey, how can we drive transformation that benefits citizens and keeps the government from falling behind?

The UK tech sector is expected to grow by £41.5 billion by 2025, creating 678,000 jobs. Councils spend £1-2 billion annually on IT, much of which supports outdated systems. How can we better allocate these resources to ensure meaningful change and equip workers with the skills needed for new technologies?

While initiatives like the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology mark progress, more action is needed to address public concerns about emerging technologies like AI and ensure policies keep pace with global trends.

With digital transformation and innovation at the centre of public sector development right now, it is vital that new technologies are utilised to deliver the best public services possible. In order to identify key challenges and solutions, this online conference will consider exactly how organisations can bring tech into their workflow, and how communities can benefit from digital best practice across the board.

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08:50 AM - 09:25 AM Live NOW Available On Demand

User-Centric Design

With new technology comes the challenge of adapting to that technology and knowing how to use it to its full potential. The first leaders debate of the online conference will look into how new technologies can be designed and implemented so that they are easy to use by citizens and members of the workforce.

Sarah Slate Digital Adviser Local Government Association
09:35 AM - 10:05 AM Live NOW Available On Demand

AI and Machine Learning

This panel discussion will focus on how artificial intelligence and machine learning can be utilised to improve service and efficiency across the public sector, whilst also keeping the vital human element. With key insight, we will be exploring how AI can truly transform the way that public governance and services are run.

Vicky Poole Portfolio Holder for Transformation and Corporate Programme West Berkshire Council

Tim Spiers Director: Customer and Digital Services Cambridgeshire County Council

I am a strong leader, always forward-thinking, focusing on empowering other senior leaders to navigate and succeed in the digital landscape.

In my time at Oxfordshire County Council, and in other roles, I have leveraged my expertise in digital transformation and IT leadership.

Creating collaborative environments has been pivotal in driving cost-effective solutions and enhancing service delivery. With a commitment to aligning technology with strategic business objectives, our work has enabled robust platforms for engagement and efficiency, underpinned by my analytical skills, consulting acumen, and a deep understanding of Information Technology.

David Terrar CEO Tech Industry Forum

David is CEO of the Tech Industry Forum, a not-for-profit trade body that champions and helps accelerate the adoption of cloud technology and services. He is a well-known strategist, keynote speaker and influencer on business transformation using cloud, digital, social, mobile, collaboration, and ERP. He spent 9 years at IBM followed by senior management and director roles at Interactive, CSI, Cyberaid, Brook Street Computers, DataWorks, Indus and CODA before starting his own consulting businesses. David is a regular speaker, chair and moderator at technology events, hosts a weekly interview video podcast called TWF!, and a monthly BrightTALK panel show called Digital Transformation in Action. He has lectured on digital at Henley Business School, and INSEEC. A regular awards judge, he is passionate about helping organisations navigate the shift to digital successfully so they can do more with less.
10:40 AM - 11:10 AM Live NOW Available On Demand

Improved Data Management

Data is critical in making sure that services are being delivered to the right people, at the right time, and in the right way. With huge amounts of data being held across the public sector, this leaders debate will delve into how organisations can manage their data in the best way, ranging from storing it, interpreting it, and making sure that it is kept secure from those who wish to use for criminal purposes.

Phil Hickinson Application and Data Manager Cambridgeshire County Council

Jonathan Pownall Senior Digital Specialist National Audit Office

Jonathan is a digital specialist at the National Audit Office and has over 20 years' experience of assessing digital and technology programmes in the central government sector, including the management of associated technology risk.

He is a contributing author to numerous NAO reports including Digital transformation in government, Challenges in using data across government, Digital transformation in the NHS and The challenges in implementing digital change.
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM Live NOW Available On Demand

Educate to Deliver

The penultimate leaders debate of the conference will look into how organisations can make sure that skills are kept in-line with the wholesale changes being made across public sector digital services. As new technologies become adopted more and more across the sector, it is crucial that the people using those technologies are able to do so effectively and safely, so that peak efficiency and security can be maintained across the digital transformation journey.

Hilary Reid Learning Resource Officer Ayrshire College

Sarah Chamberlain Director of IT and Programmes Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Laura Cooper Digital Skills Trainer Norfolk County Council
12:50 PM - 13:20 PM Live NOW Available On Demand

The Digital Divide

Whilst digital transformation is a key ambition across the entire public sector, there are some communities where achieving this is more difficult. Whether it is because of ageing populations, poor connectivity, or a lack of digital skills, this panel will look to address the challenges in helping communities to embrace digital transformation, to drive up living standards and better public services.

Kevin Chorley Digital Inclusion Lead Somerset Council

Thomas Perry Research Officer

Erin Mcilhatton Digital Inclusion Officer Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council