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WHO ATTENDS
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08:50 AM - 09:25 AM
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 AssociationAniruddha Mahanta Service Designer London Borough of HounslowNavigating the realm of digital transformation, dedicated to enhancing local government services through the power of design and technology. My journey is marked by a deep commitment to service design, with a focus on uplifting and empowering communities. At the core of my work is the transformation of essential public services within Local Government, ensuring they serve everyone effectively.
With a versatile background that spans the private and public sector, my expertise lies in Product Design, UX Design, and Service Design. I have explored various industries, from dynamic startups to leading global ad tech firms. Currently, as the Service Design Lead for the London Borough of Hounslow, I am leading initiatives to instil positive change at the grassroots level through innovative design strategies.
My mission is anchored in the delivery of inclusive and equitable services. I excel in forging strong collaborations with multidisciplinary teams to co-create impactful solutions. Whether it’s securing quick wins, meeting business objectives, or igniting community-led innovation, my approach is always geared towards making a meaningful difference.
Let’s connect and explore how we can transform services together for a brighter, more inclusive future.Alanna Gluck Engagement Lead - Climate Resilience Demonstrator Senior Consultant, Digital and Data Connected Places CatapultA native New Yorker, Alanna Gluck has worked in local and national programme delivery in the US and Spain before relocating to the UK. As a Senior Consultant in Digital and Data at Connected Places Catapult, she provides expertise in in engagement, strategic communications, and public policy in the areas of data & digitalisation, trade, infrastructure, and the built environment across several different projects. Currently, she leads on engagement activity to support the development of the Climate Resilience Decision Optimiser (CReDO) connected digital twin platform for climate adaptation and resilience across interconnected infrastructure systems. She believes that better use of the infrastructure improves social, economic, and environmental outcomes for people and places, with a special interest in the interface between the digital operation of infrastructure and improved public services including public health and education.
Helen Coomb Cabinet Member for Resources and Transformation London Borough of RedbridgeHelen has been a councillor in Redbridge in east London since 2010. From 2014 she has held several different Cabinet roles starting with Regeneration, Planning and Property and leading on the delivery of the Local Plan. Her current portfolio is Resources and Transformation which encompasses ICT, Digital, Customers, Procurement and more. This has given her an in depth understanding of the scale of the challenges facing the Council and the need for technology and innovation to deliver services to citizens efficiently.
Helen was a Primary school teacher until retirement. She is very keen on the digital skills agenda and improving connectivity across the borough. -
09:35 AM - 10:05 AM
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.
Oliver Large Policy Expert Tony Blair Institute for Global ChangeOliver is a policy expert focused on the use of artificial intelligence in public services and its impact on the future of work. He co-led a project that proposed a policy framework for government approaches to platform work, which was informed by the needs of workers using the platforms.
Through policy, he hopes to bring transformative change that makes people’s lives healthier and more productive and fulfilling.
Oliver was previously a senior policy analyst at the Centre for Social Justice, where he organised a high-profile commission that fed into the United Kingdom government’s National Disability Strategy. His policy work has been recognised through awards and national competitions.
David Terrar CEO Tech Industry ForumDavid 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.
Tim Spiers Director: Customer and Digital Services Cambridgeshire County CouncilI 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.Vicky Poole Portfolio Holder for Transformation and Corporate Programme West Berkshire Council -
10:40 AM - 11:10 AM
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.
John Keegan Head of Digital Security Department for Work and PensionsJohn Keegan, Deputy Director, Head of Digital Security at DWP Digital, is transforming how the department protects digital services from cyber threats.
John joined the department as Head of Infrastructure Services in June 2016. Following this he was Head of Production Engineering, establishing an SRE function, before merging this function into Hybrid Cloud Services. John then led a programme to bring in-house hosting and desktop services from managed service providers. Since 2021 John has led the Adaptive Security Programme to improve cyber security controls based on the NIST-CSF (Cyber Security Framework) as well as leading the Digital Security function.
John has established a reputation for being a resourceful, innovative, and highly skilled technical and security leader with over 30 years’ experience in ICT and security; he has built his portfolio from a solid hands-on technical delivery basis through to established business leaders. John holds a range of industry technical certifications including CEng MIET, Cisco CCIE, CISSP and NIST-CSF Practitioner.
Prior to joining DWP Digital, John held various leadership roles within Fujitsu and British Telecom.Samira Furniss Business Change Manager - Digital Lead Sheffield City CouncilSam is a Business Change Manager (Digital Adoption Lead) at Sheffield City Council, passionate about people-first digital transformation. She leads the council’s Microsoft 365 adoption strategy, including the Champions Programme—supporting over 400 colleagues across services to understand digital tools, embed digital confidence and encourage collaborative working practices throughout the organisation.
Her work bridges strategy and real-world adoption, ensuring that M365 tools, data management and emerging technologies are not just deployed but embraced. Sam thrives on simplifying complexity, improving inefficient processes, and making change feel human. Her work is grounded in empathy, clarity, and a strong belief that transformation only works when it works for people.
Jonathan Pownall Senior Digital Specialist National Audit OfficeJonathan 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.
Phil Hickinson Application and Data Manager Cambridgeshire County Council -
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
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.
Penny Syddall Programme Manager - Skills and Adoption Dorset CouncilPenny has spent time as a writer and journalist, corporate communications professional, and university lecturer. She now leads the multi-award-winning digital skills and adoption team at Dorset Council, using networking and people-centred approach to build collaborations across the region. She started Dorset’s Digital Skills Partnership, works closely with health colleagues to build a digital inclusion approach for the Integrated Care Board and is investigating the role of culture in embedding a forward-thinking, digital mindset in business alongside Futuredotnow.
Laura Cooper Digital Skills Trainer Norfolk County CouncilSarah Chamberlain Director of IT and Programmes Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole CouncilSarah Chamberlain is Director of IT & Programmes at BCP Council, where she leads the authority’s digital transformation and innovation agenda. With a strong focus on data-driven decision-making and AI adoption, Sarah has been instrumental in unifying legacy systems and embedding a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation. She oversees the council’s Data & Innovation Programme, focused on ensuring robust governance, ethical AI deployment, and strategic alignment with community needs.
Sarah is a passionate advocate for digital inclusion and skills development, regularly collaborating with partners to future-proof the workforce and deliver accessible, citizen-centred services. Her leadership has helped position BCP Council as a forward-thinking authority committed to modernising public service delivery through technology.
Hilary Reid Learning Resource Officer Ayrshire College -
12:50 PM - 13:20 PM
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.
Michael Fletcher Digital Inclusion Project Manager Community First YorkshireHigh-value Senior Financial Services Manager with more than 20 years of dedicated accomplishments in project delivery, compliance monitoring and sales process design focusing on client rectification programmes, bancassurance and wealth management. Outstanding leadership and analytic skills with business savvy for driving business and revenue growth, and aligning sales process objectives with organisational goals and client needs. Versatile self-starter with attention-to-detail and proven success in managing large volunteer projects, innovative problem-solving, and leading diverse teams for high-quality performance and timely delivery across competitive and charitable landscapes. Articulate communication and interpersonal skills for team leadership and motivation, and forging relationships and alliances for organisational success.
Erin Mcilhatton Digital Inclusion Officer Calderdale Metropolitan Borough CouncilThomas Perry Research OfficerKevin Chorley Digital Inclusion Lead Somerset Council