Event details
Digital transformation is essential, but legacy tech, budget constraints, and a lack of skills are key challenges in the public sector. With 58% of councils reporting a digital skills gap in a 2023 Local Government Association survey, how can transformation benefit citizens and prevent government lag?
The UK tech sector is projected to grow by £41.5 billion by 2025, creating 678,000 jobs. Councils spend £1-2 billion on IT annually, much of it on outdated systems. How can these funds drive real transformation and ensure staff are equipped for new tech?
With initiatives like the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, more must be done to ensure public and business interests are addressed as technologies like AI and cyber security raise concerns. Rapid policy shifts are needed to keep pace with global digital trends.
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WHO ATTENDS
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Available On Demand
Opening Keynote
Discover how AI can unlock the true value of enterprise content—transforming unstructured data into strategic assets that drive efficiency, innovation, and smarter decision-making.
Graham Lewis Public Sector Lead UK & I HylandAs the Public Sector Lead for UK and Ireland at Hyland, a leading Gartner-recognised content services provider, I help public sector organisations unlock the full potential of their information and drive digital transformation. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and sales, I specialise in developing and executing go-to-market strategies that align with business objectives, ensuring impactful and results-driven solutions.
Passionate about delivering value, I work closely with customers to understand their challenges and provide tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, automation, and decision-making. A firm believer in the power of collaboration, I thrive on building strong relationships with stakeholders and leading high-performing teams.
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Secure by Design Digital Transformation
Join us for an engaging online discussion on Public Sector Secure by Design Digital Transformation, where experts explore how government and public institutions can embrace digital innovation without compromising security. This session delves into the challenges and strategies for integrating security into the foundations of public sector digital initiatives. Topics include safeguarding citizen data, ensuring regulatory compliance, mitigating cyber threats, and fostering a culture of security awareness. Featuring real-world case studies and expert insights, the discussion offers practical guidance for building resilient and trustworthy systems. Ideal for public sector leaders, IT professionals, and policymakers, this event promotes secure and sustainable transformation.
Tim Spiers Service 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.Tony Proctor Security & Information Risk Adviser West Midlands Combined AuthorityWith more than 20 years of experience in the sector, Tony has been employed in a number of roles within large organisations (including Academia, Local Government, Healthcare, and Media). Prior to his current front-line cyber role, he developed and delivered education, helping to create the next generation of cybersecurity specialists alongside managing and supporting security projects. He has also served as an adviser to a number of organisations and national cybersecurity initiatives. A regular contributor to cyber security forums, he has presented at national and international conferences and is a pioneer in developing Cyber Security information sharing. He is highly engaged with the wider cybersecurity community and represented the Chartered Institute for Information Security (CIISec) as a founding partner in forming the U.K. Cyber Security Council.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. -
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Keynote
Cllr Douglas Hamandishe Deputy Mayor Medway Council
Chief Clinical Information Officer & Mental Health Nurse: A decade of leading digital transformation in healthcare; enhancing NHS systems in patient flow, cyber security, and user experience.
Deputy Mayor of Medway and Councillor Gillingham North - Committees, Health and Social Care Scrutiny, Planning and BAME lead.
Social Media & Branding Expert: Creator of #1 trending LinkedIn videos; specialist in video content, dynamic content strategy, and personal/corporate branding.
Collaboration Maestro: Known as the 'catalyst for collaboration'; expertise in uniting stakeholders using Maslow's Hierarchy, Solution & Miller Heiman methodologies for high adoption and satisfaction rates.
Author & Thought Leader: Contributor to podcasts and interviews (including BBC), keynote speaker; advocate for mental health and IT & Digital Development in nursing.
Innovative Mindset & Lifelong Learner: Committed to staying abreast of digital transformation trends, continuously refining skills for value-driven partnerships.
Visionary for NHS Transformation: Proponent of advanced technology to overhaul clinical care; championing improved patient care and staff empowerment through modern systems. -
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AI Innovation
This insightful online discussion on AI Innovation in the Public Sector, will examine the transformative role of artificial intelligence in enhancing government services. The UK government has allocated over £1 billion under the UK AI Strategy to drive innovation and improve public sector efficiency. Public service professionals increasingly embrace AI, with 45% aware of its use and 22% actively deploying AI systems. From predictive analytics in healthcare to automating administrative processes, AI offers vast potential for improving outcomes. This session will explore investment priorities, successful implementations, and strategies for scaling AI solutions while addressing ethical and regulatory challenges.
Dr Jan Blumel Researcher Cambridge Service AlliancePassionate PhD researcher with a keen interest in the applications of NLP for improving customer experience and well-being.
Research on enabling personal touch in digital channels by personalising interactions with advanced natural language processing and conversational AI. Seeking engagement with practitioners and researchers in customer experience and NLP.Ben Ankers Systems Support and Development Lead Suffolk County CouncilBen’s career started as a call handler in a contact centre, and from there Ben has held roles as a Community Care Practitioner in the duty team, a specialist in the LD and Transitions team, a Team Leader in the contact centre, and a Finance and Performance Manager overseeing Direct Payments. Ben’s expertise in process optimisation led him to contract development before transitioning into his current role.
Ben is passionate about reducing the recording burden for practitioners, ensuring that information is gathered at the right time, and leveraging digital tools - including automation - to improve efficiency. As Chair of the Customer Advisory Board with System C, Ben helped shape system developments that benefit local authorities nationwide. Ben is also involved in the AI Proof of Value (POV) with System C, exploring how artificial intelligence can support the future of public services.
Ben is driven by a core principle: keeping the person at the heart of decision-making, ensuring the best possible experience for those who need support, as well as professionals and private sector partners interacting with social care systems.
Alex Hay Independent Contractor Alex Hay Consulting LtdAlex Hay is an independent contractor specialising in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) consultancy with over ten years of experience in NHS and Social Care sectors. Adept in PRINCE2 and Agile methodologies, Alex has developed innovative solutions to improve patient care and streamline healthcare operations. He has collaborated with various organisations to drive advancements in health and social care through technology, notably implementing Patients Know Best across Cheshire; a patient focused portal linking social care, primary and secondary health care data, integrated with the NHS App to enhance communication and coordination.
Currently, Alex is working with Cheshire East Council on implementing AI tools to streamline the social care assessment process. As a passionate advocate for leveraging technology to enhance the quality of care, Alex is dedicated to exploring the new opportunities AI can offer.Amrik Johal Managing Director System CAmrik is an accomplished leader known for his strategic insight and dedication to organisational growth. With 18 years in local government across operational and IT management roles and 16 years in IT leadership, he has consistently focused on enhancing local government and social care.
As Managing Director of the Social Care & Education division at System C, Amrik collaborates closely with customers to deliver high-quality, regulatory-compliant products and services. He leverages technology to reduce back-office costs, optimising budgets for social care and education.
Amrik is particularly passionate about the transformative potential of AI in social care and education, believing it will significantly shape the future, improving efficiency and automating routine tasks.
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Available On Demand
IT Infrastructure
Join us for a compelling online discussion on IT Infrastructure in the Public Sector, focusing on the foundational role of robust technology systems in delivering efficient and reliable public services. Experts will explore strategies for modernising legacy systems, ensuring scalability, enhancing cybersecurity, and adopting cloud-based and hybrid solutions. The discussion will address challenges such as funding constraints, compliance requirements, and managing complex IT ecosystems. Participants will gain insights into best practices, innovative technologies, and real-world success stories that demonstrate how resilient IT infrastructure supports digital transformation. Ideal for policymakers, IT leaders, and public administrators, this session drives forward-thinking solutions.
Kurt Frary Head of IT/Chief Technical Officer Norfolk County CouncilKurt 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.
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.Paul Mardling Chief Technology Officer RedcentricWith over 25 years experience in IT, Paul joined Redcentric in October 2021 as part of the acquisition of Piksel Industry Solutions where he was Managing Director. As CTO, Paul is responsible for driving Redcentric’s technology strategy, both internally and externally by underpinning the solutions we offer to our customers. Paul is a passionate technologist with a keen interest in emerging technologies such as Large Language Models, Low/No-Code solutions as well as developments in established technologies such as data management, machine learning and cloud computing.
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.
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Available On Demand
Digital Inclusion
Join us for a compelling online discussion on Digital Inclusion in the Public Sector, addressing efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to services. The UK government’s Digital Strategy includes a £2.1 billion investment to improve connectivity and provide essential digital skills to underserved communities. Despite these efforts, 11 million adults in the UK still lack basic digital skills, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. This session will explore strategies for fostering inclusion through infrastructure upgrades, public-private partnerships, and educational initiatives, ensuring that digital transformation benefits all citizens and enhances access to public sector services.
Rob Walker Programme Manager for Digital Innovation Sheffield City CouncilHelen Johnson Communities and Inclusion Team (Digital inclusion lead) Stockport CouncilWith over 20yrs experience of working with developing communities and neighbourhood inclusion, I enjoy looking for creative solutions with committed people. Digital expectations during the cost-of-living crisis is a concern for everyone, and I am proud to be working in Stockport, where we have been able to work successfully with amazing partners to provide skills, devices, data and connectivity and support trusted faces in local places across the Borough.
Freyja Lockwood Digital Innovation and Transformation Programme Manager West of England Mayoral Combined AuthorityFreyja Lockwood is a digital transformation leader specialising in place-based innovation and inclusion. As Digital Transformation Programme Manager at the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, she leads regional efforts to bridge the digital divide and drive better outcomes for people and places. With over 20 years of experience in strategy, innovation and human-centred design across government, tech, and defence sectors, Freyja ensures digital transformation keeps people, not technology, at its heart.Will Plant Digital Inclusion Lead Cambridgeshire County CouncilWill Plant, Digital Inclusion Lead for Connecting Cambridgeshire. Connecting Cambridgeshire is a connectivity/infrastructure/digital programme funded by the CPCA to boost better connectivity across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. As the Digital Inclusion Lead, I focus on helping communities and businesses utilise this infrastructure to realise benefits in their lives through digital and technology. We also aim to improve digital skills, literacy, and confidence, and work together with employers and education providers to develop clear pathways into digital and technology roles.