Delivering Public Service using Technology

Martin leads the Society of Innovation, Technology and Modernisation’s policy advocacy and research programme. His particular passion lies in addressing the public policy impasse that prevents many of the complex socio-economic and environmental problems being faced by people, communities and places being confronted. Throughout a career spanning local government, academic research and teaching in the UK and abroad, his focus has been on harnessing technologies and data for the benefit of people and the wellbeing of communities. This interest underpins Socitm’s current research, education and training in fields such as ethical, digital place-making and leadership, and his voluntary work as a Trustee of Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care.

A 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 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.

Oliver 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 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. 

Sam 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 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.

Penny 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.

Sarah 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.

Jane Hutt spent part of her childhood in Uganda and Kenya, and was educated at the University of Kent, the London School of Economics and Bristol University. Jane has lived and worked in Wales since 1972.

Jane was an elected member of the former South Glamorgan County Council for 12 years and was first elected to the Assembly in 1999. Between 1999 and 2005 Jane has served as Minister for Health and Social Services in the Welsh Government. From 2005 to 2007, she was Minister for Assembly Business and Chief Whip. In the first Cabinet of the Third Assembly she was appointed Minister for Budget and Assembly Business.

In the coalition Cabinet, announced on 19 July 2007, Jane became Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills. In December 2009 she was appointed Minister for Business and Budget, subsequently Minister for Finance until 2016 when she was appointed Leader of the House and Chief Whip at the start of the Fifth Assembly.

On 13 December 2018 Jane was appointed Deputy Minister and Chief Whip. Jane was appointed Minister for Social Justice on 13 May 2021. In the 2023 Birthday Honours, Jane was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). On 21 March 2024, Jane was appointed Chief Whip and Trefnydd. Jane was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip on 11 September 2024.

Jane is an honorary fellow of Cardiff Metropolitan University and Cardiff and Vale College. She is a Welsh learner.