Public Sector Digital Transformation 2025

Sharon Sanders is Head of Service for the Digital Inclusion Programme at Bradford Council, where she leads a pioneering initiative aimed at closing the digital divide across the district. With a strong background in change management and digital transformation, Sharon has become a driving force behind efforts to ensure that no resident of Bradford is excluded from accessing digital devices, affordable connectivity, and the skills needed to thrive in a digital society.

Her work focuses on empowering vulnerable and disadvantaged communities—those facing barriers in health, education, employment, and housing—by integrating digital access into public services and community support. Under her leadership, the Digital Inclusion Programme has developed a multi-agency governance model involving local authorities, health services, voluntary organisations, and educational institutions.

Sharon is also a frequent speaker at public sector conferences, where she shares insights on inclusive digital strategy, cross-sector collaboration, and the role of local government in driving equitable innovation. Her professional credentials include certifications in Agile Change, AI Fundamentals, and Prince2, and she is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and the Institute of Leadership & Management.

With a vision rooted in social equity and digital empowerment, Sharon Sanders continues to shape how Bradford—and the wider UK public sector—approaches digital transformation with purpose and compassion.

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. 

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.

Jude McCorry is the CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Centre. Jude has over 20 years experience in the Technology sector and started her career with Dell computers in Ireland, she joined the Cyber and Fraud Centre in April 2020 from The Data Lab where she was Director of Business Development working with industry and academia to maximise the value of data for Scotland. She is one of the founders of the UNICEF Data Hub for Children, she also sits on the board of the Edinburgh Data Driven Innovation Hub at Edinburgh University.

Jude is very passionate about data for good and also inspiring the next generation into Cyber and technology – particularly looking at female participation.

Nasser is a Cyber Security professional with a passion for technology, transformation, and wellbeing. Since joining the NHS in 2018, his innovative approach and commitment to making a difference have seen him rise from volunteer to Cyber Security Manager for two NHS Trusts.

With a strong technical foundation and a focus on the human side of security, Nasser advocates for building inclusive, positive cyber cultures where everyone feels confident in playing their part. 

He regularly contributes to the wider cyber community through published articles, webinars, speaking at industry conferences and other initiatives that make cyber security more engaging at all levels.

Nasser’s work has been recognised through multiple awards from NHS England as well as a recent National Cyber Security Award.

Lorna Johnson is the Head of Architecture at Essex County Council, leading the strategic alignment of technology, data, and design to enable service transformation across the organisation. With over 14 years of experience in local government, she has worked predominantly within Technology and Digital services with close links across Children’s and Adult Social Care, corporate services, and digital delivery.

Passionate about inclusive and sustainable digital transformation, Lorna focuses on creating architectures that empower communities, support staff, and deliver better outcomes for residents. Her work centers on bridging the gap between vision and delivery - ensuring that innovation is accessible, scalable, and rooted in the needs of citizens.

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.

Dennis Dokter, Smart Cities Lead & Manager Data and Insights at Nexus (University of Leeds)

Dennis Dokter is passionate about harnessing the power of data and technology to shape more sustainable, liveable, and equitable urban environments. With a background in Science and Technology Studies, he brings a strong understanding of how scientific and technological innovation intersects with society. His work explores the potential of smart cities and data-driven research to drive positive societal change, focusing on the development and analysis of emerging technologies and data sources.

At the heart of his approach is a deep commitment to collaboration - connecting people, disciplines, and industries to address the complex challenges of tomorrow. Whether through research partnerships or cross-sector initiatives, Dennis brings a dynamic and creative perspective to advancing smart city development and innovation. He is dedicated to making a meaningful impact through his work at Nexus and the University of Leeds, helping to shape a more connected and data-informed future.

Kurt Frary is the Head of IT/ CTO at Norfolk County Council and also the Vice president of Socitm. Kurt has over 35 years’ experience working in ICT for both public and the private sector and his passion for digital innovation, change and technology is compelling.  He is currently leading Norfolk’s AI innovation programme, chairs Norfolk's AI Governance board and had just delivered Norfolk's Future Network programme.

Mike Connell is the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Blaby District Council. Mike has 30 years’ experience working in ICT across public, private and third sector and proudly considers himself someone who causes “good trouble”. Energised by change and challenge, Mike has a deep passion for inspiring innovation and designing collaborative solutions and has was project lead for the £350,000 DLUHC funded Low Code Digital Waste Service. Mike has been working in Local Government for 11 years now and is a former Chief Officer for Digital and Communications at Rugby Borough Council, and has just competed an 18 month inboarding of ICT services at Blaby District Council.