2024 On Demand

Thomas Green

Managing Consultant, Mastercard Data & Services

Dan Roulstone

Director, BearingPoint

Dan is a Director with BearingPoint, a global management and technology consultancy, with more than 25 years’ experience leading public sector transformation projects in the UK and France. In addition to his experience as a consultant, Dan previously worked as a civil servant advising on policy and digital delivery within Cabinet Office (PM Strategy Unit), DBT, FCDO and at the OECD. His current consulting focus is digitalisation and the use of AI to transform public services within government departments and agencies, educational institutions and not-for-profit organisations.

In a voluntary capacity, Dan is Vice Chair of the Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG). CAG is an independent body which provides expert advice on the use of confidential patient information to the Health Research Authority (HRA) and the Secretary of State for Health.

Alan Blanchard

Business Development Director, TSO

Alan began his career in legal publishing producing market-leading content for professionals in legal, tax and regulatory sectors. Digitisation of technical content was a key feature of that role, and he took that experience with him to the Financial Conduct Authority, the UK’s financial services watchdog, where he overhauled the digital version of the FCA’s Handbook with the aim of producing machine-readable rules. This coincided with the rise of RegTech and Alan subsequently worked in a variety of technology firms to deliver on the enormous potential of making compliance easy for everyone. Now at TSO, Alan brings his practical experience, technical knowledge, and collaboration ethos to bear on transforming how regulators produce content.

Tom Winstanley

CTO & Head of New Ventures, NTT Data

Stephen Hext

Data and AI Senior Specialist, Newcastle City Council, United Kingdom

Stephen leads Newcastle City Council’s Infrastructure for Insight and AI Readiness programmes, driving strategic data capability and responsible AI innovation across the organisation. His work focuses on harnessing data and technology to enable the council to be data-driven and evidence-led. With a strong background in technology and cross-functional collaboration, Stephen is committed to improving corporate data maturity, enabling effective use of AI, and aligning data infrastructure with public service priorities to deliver better outcomes for communities

Dr Carla Groom

Head of Human-Centred Design Science, Department for Work and Pensions

Dr Carla Groom is a leading thinker on organisational capability and human-centred transformation in the UK Government.

After studying psychology at Cambridge University, she completed a PhD in social psychology at Northwestern University and held a post-doctoral position at the University of Texas at Austin. She has published more than a dozen papers, with a particular focus on issues of inter-group relations and social cognition.

Carla joined the UK Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) in 2006. In 2015, she established a new team at DWP, now branded “human-centred design science”, that explores human interactions with real-world systems in all their complexity and messiness.

The team’s starting point is to address the problem that “DWP (sometimes) makes decisions based on inaccurate assumptions about people”. Her team looks upstream to the design of policies and processes, and to the system-wide factors that enable and constrain these design decisions.

For nearly ten years, her team of social scientists has been learning through “practice research” in which they offer help to teams across all DWP functions. Their toolkit includes an evolving mix of cutting-edge approaches including systems thinking, human-centred design, social science and conceptual analysis.

In numerous collaborations that have become journal papers, conference presentations and Youtube videos, she is passionate about sharing what she and her team learn, and also advocating for ways to recruit, retain and get the best from neurodivergent staff.

Dr. Shruti Kohli

Deputy Director Data Strategy, Government Digital Service, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, United Kingdom

Shruti Kohli is a senior leader in data strategy at the Office of the Chief Data Officer (Government Digital Service), Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), where she drives national efforts on data policy and legislation for data sharing, innovation readiness, algorithmic transparency, and ethical data use. With over 25 years of experience across public and private sectors, Shruti brings deep expertise in technology, transformation, and strategic delivery. She has previously led the Data & AI Innovation Lab, delivering pioneering work in complex areas such as generative AI, privacy-enhancing technologies, data pods, unstructured data, and more. Her leadership has enabled cross-government collaboration and responsible innovation, helping shape a future-ready data ecosystem. Shruti has a strong technical academic foundation and is widely recognised for her systems thinking, inclusive leadership, and ability to translate technical complexity into actionable strategy. She is passionate about using data to improve public outcomes and strengthen the UK’s global position in AI and innovation.

Lucy Makinson

Head of Impact and Evaluation, Incubator for AI, United Kingdom

Lucy is the Head of Impact and Evaluation at the Incubator for AI, where she is responsible for ensuring the tools developed have concrete and positive impacts on public service delivery. She was previously Head of Policy at the Behavioural Insights Team & Nesta, where she spent eight years designing and evaluating changes to policy delivery.

Dr Philip Orumwense CBE

Commercial Director, Chief Procurement Officer for Technology, Crown Commercial Service, United Kingdom

Dr Philip Orumwense CBE joined Crown Commercial Service as Commercial Director and Chief Procurement Officer for Technology in February 2021.

He is a strategic and hands-on commercial/procurement leader, Philip has a proven track record of achievements across multiple categories (Business Process Outsourcing, Technology and Digital Systems and Solutions, Financial Systems, Logistics and Record Storage, Travel Management, Professional Services, Contact and Service Centres). He has had a robust Commercial career across the Public Sector, Finance, Automotive, Rail, Road and Construction Industries.

Philip has responsibility for Common Goods and Services across Technology and Digital Categories of spend and manages over £13bn across several categories including Cloud and Digital, Networks, Software Cyber and AI, Digital Futures, and Technology Products and Services across central government, public and third sector (charities and social enterprises) organisations across the UK.

Prior to joining Crown Commercial Service Philip headed up the Information and Technology Commercial and Procurement Group at Highways England as the Commercial and Procurement Director. Prior to this he was the head of the Digital Platforms, Programmes and Applications Category at the Department for Work and Pensions where he was also the Commercial Director for the Universal Credit Programme.

Before joining the UK Public Service, Philip worked for Siemens where he had responsibilities for a multi-site and multi business commercial activities spanning the UK, Germany and elsewhere in Europe, South and North America across several industry sectors including: Automotive, Transportation (Rail, Civils, Communications, Electrification and Signalling) and Financial/Business Services.

Philip has an MA in Political Behaviour (Essex), an MBA in Business Strategy and Procurement Management (Birmingham) and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Aston Business School. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies (FCIPS). He was made a Commander of the British Empire by Her Majesty the Queen, Queen Elizabeth II for Services to the Public in 2020.

Ambereen Jamal-Rahim

Director of Data Policy, Outreach & Engagement, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Treasury Board Secretariat, Government of Canada

Ambereen (pronounced um-baa-reen) is a Canadian public sector executive with a dynamic portfolio spanning digital policy, data governance, and strategic outreach. Since 2020, she has led transformative policy initiatives focused on service management, ICT accessibility, and digital standards—driving inclusive, future-ready digital government.

Based in Ottawa, Ambereen heads a team at the Treasury Board Secretariat, where she oversees policy development and stakeholder engagement in areas including information management, data reference standards, open data, and a vibrant community of practice. Her work plays a central role in implementing Canada’s Data Strategy for the Federal Public Service.

With a career that began in software development and evolved through cybersecurity, IT privacy, and digital policy, Ambereen brings a broad and nuanced perspective to public sector innovation. She is deeply committed to cultivating the next generation of digital talent across government.

Richard Johnstone

Executive Editor, Global Government Forum

Richard is the Executive Editor of Global Government Forum, where he helps to produce editorial analysis and insight for the title’s audience of public servants around the world. Before joining GGF, he spent nearly five years at UK-based title Civil Service World, latterly as Acting Editor, and has worked in public policy journalism throughout his career.

Mia Hunt

Editor, Global Government Forum

Mia has been Editor of globalgovernmentforum.com since 2019. She has 15 years’ experience as a journalist and editor and specialises in writing for civil and public servants worldwide, including covering sustainability policy and related issues. She has led the Global Government Women’s Network since it launched in 2023.

Previously, she covered commercial property having been market reports and supplements editor at Property Week and deputy editor at Retail Destination.

She graduated from Kingston University London with a first-class honours degree in journalism and was part of the team that produced The River newspaper, which won Publication of the Year at the Guardian Student Media Awards in 2010.

Liz Whitefield

Former UK Civil Servant

Liz Whitefield, an Executive Director and co-founder of Hippo brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table, particularly in understanding the challenges of delivery within public services. With over 30 years of experience in delivery, consultancy, and transformation roles, Liz has played a pivotal role in Hippo’s journey from startup to scaled success.

Founded in Leeds 8 years ago, Hippo has since expanded its footprint to include locations across the UK with over 500 consultants. Hippo is a full-service digital consultancy working across both the public and private sectors.
Liz’s deep understanding of the challenges inherent in delivering effective public services underscores her commitment to meaningful transformation. She recognises the complexities and nuances involved, particularly in addressing the needs of citizens who may be most vulnerable.

Leveraging this understanding, Liz and her team build strong and effective relationships with clients, combining data, design, and engineering expertise to support impactful transformation initiatives. Liz’ leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping Hippos’ approach to digital consultancy, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of delivering innovative solutions that make a tangible difference in public services.

Emran Mian

Permanent Secretary, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, United Kingdom

Emran Mian is the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Alongside its original responsibilities for strengthening the UK’s science, innovation and technology ecosystem, DSIT now also leads work to transform HMG’s own digital and data capabilities.

Emran was the Director General for Digital Technologies and Telecoms at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), from July 2023 to July 2025.

Previously, Emran was Director General for Regeneration at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, from September 2021 to July 2023. Prior to this he was the Director of Strategy and then a Director General at the Department for Education.

Before returning to the Civil Service in 2017, Emran ran the Social Market Foundation, an independent public policy think tank that works across a range of economic and social policy issues. Earlier in his career Emran held senior roles at BEIS and Cabinet Office.

Will Gayne

Product Strategy and Impact Director, Oak National Academy, United Kingdom

Will Gayne is Product Strategy and Impact Director at Oak National Academy. He leads on the delivery of product strategy, and research and evaluation work at Oak, bringing together expertise from across the organisation to develop high-quality products for teachers and pupils.

Simon McLellan

Head of Data, Met Office, United Kingdom and Co-ordinator for Unified Data Policy Implementation, World Meteorological Organisation

Simon has over 30 years of experience in various roles at the Met Office, including data management, governance and policy; leadership and strategic planning; data collaboration across national organisations; and international data sharing. He has worked on several significant initiatives with a focus on sharing geospatial data between government organisations and across international boundaries. Simon currently works with senior stakeholders across Government to drive the use, usefulness and usability of Met Office weather and climate data delivering impact, benefit and value through data-driven and data-guided decision making. He also leads the implementation of the international data exchange policy between the 193 Member States of the World Meteorological Organisation, a specialised agency of the United Nations.

Martin Waudby

Chief Data Officer, London Borough of Camden, United Kingdom

Martin is Chief Data Officer at the London Borough of Camden, where he has been for about a year. A big focus is ensuring its data capabilities will enable more preventative and early intervention public service.

Martin has over 25 years’ experience in digital, data and technology roles, evenly spread between public and private sector. His experience spans start-ups, multinational organisations and four central government organisations. Most of that experience covers large transformative agendas. He’s a champion of accessible services, learning and development, and Innovation

He has a particular fascination with the ethics and governance of data and AI, and the role they can bring to rewiring public service to deliver better outcomes for communities. He has an MSc in Data Science where he developed an interest in the security and robustness of AI.

Lucy Vickers

Chief Data Officer and Chief Statistician, Department of Health & Social Care, United Kingdom

Lucy is Chief Data Officer and Chief Statistician at the Department of Health and Social Care. Her role is to unlock the potential of our health and care data assets to provide robust evidence in order to drive better care to help people live longer, healthier lives; shaping a data driven culture in DHSC which supports and enhances data science, data analysis and research capabilities She has worked at DHSC for five years, joining during the Covid pandemic to set up and lead the data and analytical function in the Test and Trace Programme, then led Statistics and Data Science before moving to her current role. She previously worked at the Office for National Statistics and in other government departments, leading analytical work on health and care; population, administrative data, setting up ONS Data as a Service and the Administrative Data Research Service, the forerunner for ADRUK.

Timothy Hill

Principal Data Architect, TPXimpact

Over the past fifteen years Timothy has held a wide variety of research & development roles in data architecture – running the gamut from designing data-sharing solutions for medical research to leading UK and EU-wide open data and data standards initiatives. He has extensive experience across a variety of sectors, including medicine, cultural heritage, and central and local government.
Most recently has had a particular interest on the use of AI in data quality, data extraction, and data integration workflows.

Paul Booth

Head of Engineering and Hybrid Cloud Services, DWP Digital, United Kingdom

Paul Booth is Head of Engineering and Hybrid Cloud Services at DWP Digital, leading the transformation of engineering, platforms, and hosting for the UK’s largest government department. Responsible for boosting cloud adoption by 150%, saving over £100 million a year, and supporting government-wide innovation in areas like AI, platform engineering, and FinOps. Paul has over 20 years of experience leading major digital, cloud, and tech transformation projects across both government and the private sector.

Kiran Chahal

Applied Innovation Lead, Cabinet Office, United Kingdom

I’m an Applied Innovation Lead in the Cabinet Office and part of a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team responsible for creating Assist; a bespoke AI tool for government communicators. My remit includes working closely with cross-government stakeholders to drive innovation across government communications. Prior to working in the Cabinet Office, I was Senior Campaign Manager at the Department for Work and Pensions where I led strategy, research, insight and evaluation for national welfare and labour market campaigns.

My previous roles in government include secondments with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Press team during the outbreak of the Ukraine invasion, and as Strategic Communications Lead on AI Adoption in the Public Sector in the Cabinet Secretary’s Office. Before joining the Civil Service, I spent five years at Cision, where I provided Communications Strategy, Insight and Evaluation consultancy to consumer, financial, government and NFP clients.

Alongside my work to embed innovation, I’m a member of the Civil Service Race Forum and passionate about diversity and inclusion. For example, how to ensure campaign imagery is diverse without being tokenistic, how to create a culture of innovation and how to innovate incrementally.

Su Morgan

Head Of Digital & Technology, Office of the Public Guardian, Ministry of Justice, United Kingdom

Su has led the digital transformation of the Office of the Public Guardian over the past six years. Under her leadership, Su and her team have successfully retired legacy technology systems and pioneered Policy-centred design as a foundation for digital-first thinking. This approach has shaped OPG’s strategic direction and ensured that the Powers of Attorney Act (2023) was aligned with modern digital services, improving support to some of society’s most vulnerable individuals.

Prior to this, Su held a variety of technical roles across both the Public and Private sector working on high profile projects including AsiaPac broadcast services for London 2012 and the delivery of the Apprenticeship Exemplar for GOV.UK.

Dr Ott Velsberg

Chief Government Data Officer, Estonia

Dr. Ott Velsberg is a renowned Estonian IT specialist and government official, known for his expertise in data governance and data science. As the current Chief Data Officer (CDO) of Estonia, he is responsible for driving the country’s AI and data policy across the public sector. Velsberg has a wealth of experience in coordinating data governance and data science, with a focus on domains such as artificial intelligence, open data, citizen-centric data governance, data management, and digital transformation. Under his leadership, Estonia has gained a reputation as a trendsetter in data governance, open data, and artificial intelligence. With his passion for technology and data, he is making significant contributions to Estonia’s digital transformation and shaping the country’s future in data governance.

Matt Philpott

Executive Director of Technology, Transformation Directorate, NHS England

Matt is Executive Director of Technology at NHS England, where he leads national digital and infrastructure programmes critical to the safe and effective delivery of healthcare. With over 25 years’ experience across public and private sectors—including seven years as a Senior Civil Servant at the UK Home Office—Matt brings deep expertise in IT operations, crisis leadership, and large-scale transformation.

He holds an MA from the University of Portsmouth and is a Fellow of the RSA (FRSA), Chartered Manager and Fellow of the CMI (CMgr FCMI), Chartered IT Professional and Fellow of BCS (FBCS CITP), Fellow of the IET (FIET), and a Leading Practitioner with FEDIP (LFedIP).

Matt also volunteers as National Digital Advisor for St John Ambulance. As a speaker, he offers practical, grounded insight into digital public service delivery, operational resilience, and leading with purpose at scale.

Gillian Dorner

Deputy Director, Public Governance Directorate, OECD

Gillian Dorner is Deputy Director in the Public Governance Directorate of the OECD. She has served at the OECD since December 2020, first as Senior Counsellor in the GOV Director’s Office and then as Deputy Director. The Directorate for Public Governance works to help governments at all levels design and implement strategic, evidence-based and innovative policies to strengthen public governance. This includes regulatory policy; open, innovative and digital government; public employment and skills; public sector integrity; budgeting and public expenditures; infrastructure and public procurement, monitoring and evaluation, risk management.

Gillian has an extensive knowledge of the work of the Public Governance Directorate, as well a strong strategic vision of its priorities, having led work to structure and enhance the Directorate’s impact over recent years, including through the design and delivery of the Public Governance Committee’s Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy Initiative.

Prior to joining the OECD, Gillian served as a UK senior civil servant as Deputy Director Financial Services Regulation at Her Majesty’s Treasury. She also has deep international experience, having represented the UK on multiple boards and committees, including as Vice Chair of the OECD Financial Markets Committee and having held several positions focused on International and EU economic and finance policy, including as an Advisor to the OECD Secretary-General and in several positions in HM Treasury and the UK Cabinet Office, as well as a period on loan to the French Treasury.

Ms Dorner, a British national, holds a Master’s degree in French and European Studies from the University of Edinburgh (UK) and a Diploma in EU Construction from the Institut des Hautes Etudes Internationales (France).

Amrita Devaiah

Deputy Director, Civil Service Communication, Cabinet Office

Amrita previously worked as the Head of External Affairs and Engagement at the Cabinet Office, with responsibility for events and all aspects of ministerial engagement for the department. This includes Civil Service Live, the largest public sector learning and development event in Europe as well as all the times you see Cabinet Office ministers, such as Michael Gove, Penny Mordaunt or Jacob Rees-Mogg on the telly.

Prior to joining the Cabinet Office, Am has worked for a number of organisations from NUS to NCS, delivering national and international events, from gala dinners to music festivals. A fierce advocate for equality throughout her career, Am has developed and delivered national training on privilege and worked on embedding inclusive practices in events, and speaks on the importance of kindness and empathy in leadership.

In her spare time Am is the co-founder of Social Supper Club London, a zero-waste dinner club raising funds for Refettorio Felix, a London charity supporting vulnerable, homeless people and those at risk of homelessness and a volunteer with the Young Women’s Trust.

Dr. Iliya Peter Nickelt

Chief Data Scientist, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany

Iliya Nickelt is the Chief Data Scientist at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

In 2022, he set up BMZ’s data lab. Together with an interdisciplinary team of data scientists, he develops AI applications, infrastructure, visualizations and other tools for modern, data-driven policymaking. In addition to engaging with international data-policy work, for example through cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme, the lab is focused on large language model applications for structured and unstructured data.

Iliya Nickelt holds a PhD in astrophysics and worked on cloud precursors and on standards for internationally federated databases. In the late 1990s he was also active within the Internet self-regulatory organization “ICANN”.

Lindsay Mason

Government Chief Data Officer, Government Digital Service, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Lins joined GDS, part of DSIT, in June 2025. As Government Chief Data Officer, she is responsible for fostering a sustainable, data-centric culture across government and the wider public sector. Her remit includes leading the development and implementation of the government-wide data strategy, promoting common data standards, and enhancing data sharing across departments and the Government Data and Digital (GDaD) community.

Lins leads the GDS data strategy to improve data maturity throughout its lifecycle. She works closely with Chief Data Officers across government to drive innovation and champion better access to data, supporting more informed decision-making and improved public services.

Prior to joining GDS, Lins spent three years at the Ministry of Defence, where she led Data and Information Management, Governance, and Skills and Culture. In that role, she was accountable for enabling and assuring Defence’s data and information environment through foundational capabilities that supported interoperability and provided discoverable, trusted access to data, to deliver key insights.

Before entering the Civil Service in 2022, Lins held senior roles in the private sector, where she gained extensive experience in data strategy, leadership, and transformation.

She is passionate about driving cultural change across government, with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. Her purpose is clear: to empower people through data.

Jenny Oldroyd

Director of Curriculum, General Qualifications and Digital Strategy, Department for Education, United Kingdom

Shehroze Junejo

Chief Data Officer, UK Government Investments, United Kingdom

Shehroze Junejo is an Executive Director and Chief Data Officer at UK Government Investments (UKGI), the government’s centre of expertise for corporate finance and governance. He leads digital, data and technology transformation at UKGI and advises on some of the UK Government’s most complex fiscal and financial risks.

With a career spanning infrastructure, capital investment and portfolio management, Shehroze has built multidisciplinary teams and shaped fiscal risk management and capital planning across Whitehall by embedding data and analytics into decision-making. He has delivered high-impact frameworks, established new governance standards, and introduced digital and AI-enabled approaches into core operations.

His achievements include leading government–industry initiatives during COVID-19 that safeguarded thousands of jobs, publishing world-leading reports on fiscal risk, and setting the vision for UKGI’s first digital, data and technology strategy.

Shehroze is a frequent speaker on the role of data, AI and digital transformation in building resilient, future-ready organisations.

Claire Harrison

Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

Claire is a technology leader, strategist, and innovator, and has held senior roles in a variety of sectors, leading teams in digital and organisational transformation. Prior to joining the MHRA, Claire was part of the executive team responsible for merging NHS Test and Trace, Public Heath England, and Joint Bio Security Centre to create the UK Health Security Agency. In her other public sector roles, Claire won global accolades and awards for her work in digital transformation and innovation, and then spent several years advising international governments on transforming with technology.

Claire joined the Civil Service from the private sector where she consulted to organisations on technology modernisation, cybersecurity, and data exploitation. Claire holds a Masters in Technology Strategy & Management, and is partway through a PHD in International Business specialising in culture with technology, and in recent years has applied that expertise to cross-government, global, and industry collaborations. She is a passionate advocate of ensuring diverse sectors learn from each other, strengthening global innovation and technology ecosystems.

Saheel Sankriwala

Chief Data & Technology Officer, Department for Education

Saheel Sankriwala, was appointed Chief Data & Technology officer in December 2024 following his tenure as Chief Technology Officer since March 2023. In this expanded role, he leads the DfE’s Technology and Data Ecosystem, driving innovation, resilience and efficiency across critical domains, including Infrastructure & Cloud platforms, Corporate Systems & Services, End User Devices, Cyber Security, and Data Strategy. His leadership ensures that technology and data solutions empower the Department for Education to deliver exceptional services, fostering seamless collaboration and operational excellence.

I became the Chief Technology Officer at the Department for Education (DfE) in March 2023, following a successful tenure as Deputy Director and Service Owner of the Funding Service at the Education & Skills Funding Agency. In June 2024, I also took on the leadership of the DfE’s Data functions, officially becoming the Chief Data and Technology Officer in December 2024. My journey in the Civil Service began in 2000 as an Admin Assistant, paving the way for a series of progressively influential roles within the realms of Technology and Digital Transformation, primarily at HMRC.

Professor Helen McCarthy

Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser, Northern Ireland Executive, Chair, NI Science and Technology Advisory Network (NISTAN)

Professor Helen McCarthy was formally appointed as Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser (CSTA) in June 2024. Her key responsibilities include co-ordinating a regional strategy to put science and technology at the heart of policy development. She also chairs the newly formed NI Science and Technology Advisory Network (NISTAN), plays a key leadership role within the NI Civil Service (NICS) scientific community, and represents NI’s scientific policy development globally.

As CSTA, Professor McCarthy reports directly to the Head of the NICS and provides advice on policy development across government departments, agencies and with universities, colleges and the wider business community. Professor McCarthy also represents Northern Ireland on the national and international stage in order to enhance awareness of the region’s technological, innovation and R&D capabilities.

This is the first time that Northern Ireland has had an Executive Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser to advise on policy development across government departments, agencies, and with universities, colleges and the wider business community – as distinct from the Chief Scientific Advisers in Department of Health (DoH) and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Alongside this role, Professor Helen McCarthy holds the Chair of Nanomedicine in the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast and, prior to taking on the position of CSTA, was the Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Business Development. Between 2020 and 2023, she held a 0.2FTE Professorship in Dublin City University’s School of Chemical Sciences. She is also a graduate of Ulster University, gaining her DPhil in 2001.

Professor McCarthy’s research is centred on novel non-viral delivery systems for nucleic acids and anionic small molecules. These are peptide delivery systems that are purposely designed to solve key criteria for controlled intracellular delivery. In addition to supervising >40 PhD students, producing >150 publications and >200 conference proceedings, and undertaking editorial work, Professor McCarthy has contributed new knowledge as the inventor of a drug delivery technology and is named on 18 patents. After 10 years of academic applications of the technology, Professor McCarthy spun out her technology into pHion Therapeutics which incorporated in 2017. Professor McCarthy was the CEO of pHion for 6 years, exiting in 2023. In that time, Professor McCarthy won INVENT NI, the All-Ireland Seedcorn Awards, and the Vice-Chancellor’s Innovation Award. She also secured almost £10M in non-dilutive funding from Innovate UK. Professor McCarthy sits on the Research Advisory Committee for Prostate Cancer UK and has worked with many global pharmaceutical companies to progress her technology. Helen has also worked closely with Invest NI, Alderley Park, Medicines Discovery Catapult, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and the Centre for Process Innovation. Professor McCarthy is a member of Biodesign Europe, European Society of Biomaterials and NED for Antigenesis Biologics.

Sarah Hodgetts

Director, National Data Library and Geospatial

Deepak Shukla

Data and AI Strategy Lead for UK Public Sector, AWS

Deepak leads Data & AI Strategy for AWS UK Public Sector, where he is responsible for driving innovation and thought leadership in artificial intelligence and cloud-based data solutions. With a focus on empowering government organisations to become AI-led and data-driven, he works closely with public sector leaders to harness the latest AWS technologies, enabling smarter decision-making, operational efficiency, and transformative digital services. An expert in AI adoption and modern data strategies, Deepak brings deep experience and strategic vision to help organisations navigate their cloud and AI journeys.

Owen Pritchard

Owen Pritchard, Head of Cyber, Digital and Technology, Local Government Association, United Kingdom

Owen leads the Local Government Association’s Cyber, Digital, and Technology team. With over two decades of experience in public sector leadership and management, he began specialising in information management and digital technology in 2010. Owen has continuously enhanced his professional expertise through postgraduate studies at Cranfield University, Manchester Business School, and the Saïd Business School. Beyond his professional role, he is also a partner in a small business and previously served as the Deputy Leader of a London Council.

Theo Blackwell

Advisor, Government Digital Service, Chief Digital Officer for London, Mayor of London, United Kingdom

Appointed in 2017 as London’s first Chief Digital Officer, Theo leads on London-wide digital transformation, data and smart city initiatives at City Hall. His role involves strategic leadership on the digital transformation agenda for London’s public services, across the GLA group and the wider public sector. Convening on behalf of the Mayor across London local government to support the take-up of innovative, technology, and data-led approaches to service delivery and public engagement. Developing and promoting partnership between the public, private and community sectors to enable and support the development of new public service-oriented technology and innovation.

Dr Tom Smith

Director Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, United Kingdom

Tom is Director of the AI Directorate at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), scaling up AI, digital and data science to support national and local delivery.

Tom’s previous roles in government include MHCLG’s first Chief Data Officer, director of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Data Unit, founding director at the Joint Biosecurity Centre, and managing director at the Data Science Campus at the Office for National Statistics.

Before joining government, he was co-founder and chief executive of OCSI, a research and data ‘spin-out’ company from Oxford University. Tom has had board and advisory roles at the UN, Royal Society, Royal Statistics Society, Environment Agency, Open Data User Group, media and academic groups.

Tom is visiting professor in AI at University of Sussex. He has a PhD in computational neuroscience, evolving neural networks for robot control (Sussex), an MSc in knowledge-based systems (Sussex), and MA in theoretical physics (Cambridge).

Gemma Elsworth

Head of Data Capability, DWP Digital, United Kingdom

Gemma has over 15 years’ experience in digital analysis across a range of sectors including retail, finance and travel. She joined the civil service 5 years ago, since then she has built the Digital Performance Analysis profession in DWP Digital up from a team of 8 to a community of over 50. Currently Head of Data Capability, Gemma is responsible for talent growth, skill development and community engagement for data in DWP Digital.

Heidi Edwards

Assistant Head of AI Skills and Talent , Defence AI Centre, Ministry of Defence, United Kingdom

Heidi Edwards is the Assistant Head of AI Skills and Talent Lead within the Ministry of Defence, bringing over 25 years of experience in the UK Government. With a background in Cloud, Architecture and Artificial Intelligence. Heidi’s career has included roles in multiple government organisations, focusing on digital transformation and capability-building initiatives.

Heidi’s career has been centred on technology and innovation in cloud computing and now AI, emphasising the importance of learning to drive digital innovation to transform careers. She leads learning initiatives designed to enhance the organisation’s capabilities through strategic development.

She has introduced the ‘Amazon’s Cloudupfor Her programme,’ the first of its kind for the UK Civil Service. Additionally, she has developed the UK Civil Service ‘TechHer’ Microsoft programme, which trained over 4,000 women across government last year.

In her work in technology and innovation, Heidi Edwards has focused on inclusivity and strategic leadership. She supports initiatives that promote diversity and empower underrepresented groups, influencing approaches to technology within the UK Government.

Heidi is an award-winning capability lead, and Learning and Performance Institute finalist, 2024.

Jenny Nelson

Head of ICT, Digital Transformation & Customer Contact, Newcastle City Council, United Kingdom

Jenny is ‘Head of ICT, Digital Transformation and Customer Contact’ at Newcastle City Council, having worked in local government nearly 20years. She has held her current role for 3years although has been championing the digital innovation and Smart City agenda at Newcastle City Council for much longer.

Her experiences include leading and delivering a wide range of successful technology, digital and change programmes and projects which have transformed the customer experience; increased productivity and efficiency to drive significant financial and non-financial benefits; supported digital skills and inclusion both within the organisation and externally; and improved digital connectivity and infrastructure across the City.

Jenny has spoken previously at numerous national and international networking events including a number of years as Chair of the UK Smart Cities Network. She is a member of the newly established North East Combined Authority Digital Leads group, working with regional partners on achieving digital transformation in line with the wider devolution agenda.

Hugh Wallace

Chief Information Officer, Research Data Scotland, United Kingdom

Hugh Wallace is Chief Information Officer at Research Data Scotland (RDS), an organisation that helps researchers find and make use of data to improve the lives of people in Scotland.

Prior to RDS, Hugh led a high-profile programme to deliver a common payments platform in Scottish Government and support digital service development within Scotland’s Social Security agency. His previous roles include leading the digital teams at Oxfam and National Museums Scotland, and heading up the design function in a digital agency.

Siân Thomas

Chief Data Officer, Department for Business and Trade, United Kingdom

Beginning her career in the private sector, Sian moved to the Food Standards Agency working in various roles including Social Research, Governance and Ethics and leading the Data, Information Governance and Security team. She has led on projects such as predicting norovirus from Twitter data and piloting a blockchain tool to make better use of data about cows at slaughter.

Siân joined DIT in February 2019. Her remit includes building services and products to enable DIT staff to understand and meet business and customer needs, leading a data infrastructure team to produce more value from its data assets and creating a new data service to allow the UK to implement an independent trade policy for the first time in 40 years. Sian currently leads two portfolios in DDaT in DBT: Data Platforms and Employee Experience.

Emily Middleton

Director General, Digital Centre Design, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, United Kingdom

Emily Middleton is the Director General for Digital Centre Design at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Emily was previously a partner at the consultancy Public Digital. She set up the firm’s international practice, working with multilateral development banks, UN agencies and philanthropies. She has worked with governments around the world to develop digital strategies and to design, scale and reboot digital and data units.

Prior to joining Public Digital, Emily led the design of the London Office of Technology & Innovation. Earlier in her career, while at the Boston Consulting Group, she worked on digital strategy and transformation programmes in Europe and Southeast Asia. She has also worked for UNICEF Innovation, the European Union Delegation to Ethiopia, and the National Youth Agency.

David Knott

Chief Technology Officer for the UK Government, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

David is Chief Technology Officer for UK Government, working within the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO). He is a technology leader, strategist and architect with over 30 years experience across a range of industries, including banking, insurance, transportation, utilities, media and government.

Prior to becoming Government CTO, David’s most recent roles have been as an Expert Partner at Boston Consulting Group, focusing on Cloud, DevOps and Digital Transformation, as a Digital Transformation Officer at Google, and as Chief Architect at HSBC.
David has designed, constructed and led many large transformation initiatives throughout his career, including the strategy and design for Lloyds Banking Group’s integration of Halifax Bank of Scotland and divestment of TSB, and for HSBC’s strategic move as the first major global financial institution to adopt public Cloud at scale.

David believes passionately in the power of new technologies and new ways of working to liberate organisations from the constraints of their legacy technologies, and specialises in building teams, defining strategies and changing culture to achieve this goal.
David holds a PhD in Philosophy, specialising in Ethics. In recent years, he has applied this expertise in the fields of AI and data ethics, helping HSBC define its first set of ethical principles for the use of AI and data, and working as part of the Responsible AI teams at HSBC, Google and BCG.

Outside work, David kayaks regularly on the sea where he lives, attempts to keep on top of the latest developments in the field of technology ethics, and writes regularly on topics of technology, leadership and innovation in his weekly newsletter.

Karl Andreas Sprenk

Director, Digital Skills Coordination, Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs, Estonia

Karl Andreas Sprenk joined the Estonia’s Government CIO Office in late 2021 to lead a newly launched Digital Academy – an e-learning platform for civil servants. Since May 2022 Karl has been responsible for coordinating the digital skills team, to ensure that in a long run all civil servants across the government sector would have necessary digital skills and competencies to allow bold and needed digital changes and the development and maintenance of e-services. To achieve this, the team aims to provide training and networking activities for government ICT professionals, raise awareness and provide reskilling opportunities for non-digital professionals, as well attract new talents through centrally coordinated ICT-upskilling programmes and traineeship initiatives.

Thomas Beautyman

Deputy Director, Government Digital Capability, Department for Science and Innovation, United Kingdom

Thomas joined the Cabinet Office in 2021, in the new Central Digital and Data Office, and is responsible for transforming how Government grows capability in digital and data. This including attracting, recruiting and building digital expertise, through to developing the many leaders in government who have specialism in other domains, but increasingly need digital and data confidence to deliver. Thomas moved to the Cabinet Office from DWP Digital, having joined Government in 2019 from BT where he led workforce planning, apprenticeships and learning transformation

Peter Benton

Director General for Data Capability, Office of National Statistics, United Kingdom

Pete joined the Office for National Statistics in 2002 to design and deliver the 2011 Census, an operation with analytics at its heart. After 2011 Pete led the ‘Beyond 2011’ programme helping plan the future of the Census and laying the groundwork for the 2021 Census. Pete then moved on to become the Director of Population and Public Policy Operations, leading the 2021 Census operation, and the ONS’ business and social surveys.

During the COVID-19 pandemic Pete established the COVID-19 Infection Survey, providing important information, about infection in society, to key decision makers in government and beyond enabling policy decisions relating to the economy and society.

Pete became the Director General for Health, Population and Methods Group soon after. Here he was responsible for ensuring the ONS continued to produce high-quality analysis and statistics, that informed the public on matters of health, population, and migration.

Currently Pete is the Director General for Data Capability responsible for overseeing end-to-end data ingress, delivering digital and technology capabilities for the whole organisation and the Integrated Data Service which brings together ready-to-use data, from a variety of public and private sources, to enable faster and more collaborative analysis for the public good.

Ed Towers

Head, Advanced Analytics and Data Science, Financial Conduct Authority

Ed leads the FCA’s Advanced Analytics and Data Science function, responsible for developing and embedding data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence tools and capability across the organisation. The team’s work supports a broad remit of regulatory priorities: from identifying scams and detecting problem firms, to testing firm compliance with financial crime regimes and analysing the impacts of Costs of Living on Consumers . Since joining the regulator in 2015 Ed has led a number of transformation initiatives. Prior to the FCA Ed worked as a consultant within Financial Services.

Shruti Kohli

Head of Data Science (Innovation), Department for Work and Pensions

Thomas Rysgaard Christiansen

Partner, Netcompany

Thomas Rysgaard Christiansen is the former CEO of KOMBIT, Inc. He spent the last 13 years overseeing the procurement and development of efficient, coherent, and user-friendly IT-solutions for both the state and local government in Denmark. Drawing on his technical and business background, Thomas led the company through the immense task of replacing and modernising a monopolised critical case management and self-service systems portfolio as well as ensuring new critical infrastructure for the local Danish government.

Thomas is a strong advocate of digitalisation and coherent digital development of the public sector. He applies his extensive experience from the private sector to his approach to digital transformation in the public sector. Thomas is a frequent member on expert boards and facilitates several networks on the subject of digital development and transformation.

Thomas joined Netcompany in 2023 as International Market Development Partner. Thomas is Group responsible for our Digital Government vertical and leads the EU – Wallet project.

Beata Lisowska

Chief Data Architect, NHS

Beata has recently joined NHS England as the Chief Data Architect focusing on NHS-wide patient-centric Target Data Architecture.

has been leading the transformation of the data estate and building data capability at the London Borough of Camden since August 2022.

She was responsible for setting and implementing Camden’s Data Strategy setting Camden as the pioneering leader in the use of data that measurably improves citizens’ lives. She also led the DDaT data professions and worked to support frontline services with building data capability and the use of new methods and technology. She is passionate about building trust through transparency and the ethical use of data.

Prior to joining Camden, Beata held senior roles at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) including leading the Data Products team. She has been actively involved in setting cross-government standards, data sharing initiatives as well as contributing to the National Data Strategy on behalf of ONS.

Before joining ONS, Beata was leading the research in interoperability of data standards and classifications in the sector of international development.

She holds MSc in Bioinformatics from Imperial College London and a PhD in Mathematical Modelling of Microbial Systems.

Amanda Dahl

Deputy Director, Digital Service Platforms, Government Digital Service

Amanda Dahl joined the Government Digital Service in December 2022. Her team offers policy, operations and service teams a suite of common components which are built once and used many times, making it easier and more cost effective to create high quality government digital services. Prior to joining GDS, Amanda completed a tour of service at the White House in the Biden administration, transforming the experience of vulnerable Americans seeking social safety net benefits. Amanda has a strong background in digital product management, service transformation and large-scale programme delivery, and is currently a Policy Fellow at the University of Cambridge, Centre for Science and Policy. As a leader at the US Digital Service, PlayStation, the BBC and Citi, Amanda has been responsible for transforming civic technology experiences, and building significant revenue generating product businesses in the finance, media and games sectors.

Oleg Polovynko

Adviser to the Mayor of Kyiv City on Digitalization. City Digital Twin Implementation, Tech Investor and Entrepreneur. Digital Impact Admirer speaking on digitalization impact in Smart Cities. MISTO Project Founder.

Fiona James

Chief Data Officer and Director, Data Growth and Operations, Office for National Statistics

Fiona is Chief Data Officer and Director of Data Growth and Operations at the Office for National Statistics. She is an experienced digital, data, technology and policy expert with a deep understanding of the delivery challenges faced by public sector organisations.

She has a track record in leadership through complexity, projects and people in both a policy and service delivery context.

Fiona joined the Civil Service in 2006 as a generalist Fast Streamer at the Department for Transport, where she held policy, strategy and operational roles across aviation, roads and maritime.

She spent four years working on exiting the European Union, leading transport and digital, data and technology readiness at the Cabinet Office, before moving to the Crown Prosecution Service as a digital technology leader, helping to transform criminal justice during the pandemic.

Fiona is married to Will, and they have three sons

Catherine Little CB

Chief Operating Officer for the Civil Service and Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet Office

Cat started her career at the accountancy firm PwC, dedicated to Government and Public Sector finances, mainly working in assurance roles. Over more than a decade, Cat worked with clients across Health, Local Government, Higher Education and Central Government sectors.

Cat joined the Civil Service in 2013 first at the Legal Aid Agency where she worked on the digitisation of civil legal aid, and removing the long standing financial accounts qualification as the Director of Finance and Digital.

Cat went on to become the Group Finance Director at the Ministry of Justice overseeing all aspects of financial management and supporting prison reform, courts reform and transformation programmes. In 2017, Cat joined the Board of the Ministry of Defence as Director General Finance. In this role she was the primary financial advisor to ministers, the Defence Board and Accounting Officer and led the finance, commercial and analytical functions across Defence. During this time, Cat led the reform of Defence Acquisition and Procurement as part of the Modernising Defence Programme and instigated the Financial Improvement Programme. Cat led the oversight of the Defence portfolio, and was the Race Champion for the Department.

Cat joined HM Treasury in 2020 as Director General Public Spending. She took on the role of Acting Permanent Secretary in September 2022, and in October 2022 was appointed to Second Permanent Secretary. In this role Cat oversees public spending, international and national security policy. She combines this with her positions as head of the Government Finance Function and Chair of the Finance Leadership Group for Government. Cat is a chartered public finance accountant and represents the UK as a member of IFAC, PAIB and is also a co-opted member of CIPFA Council. Outside of work Cat lives in the Kent North Downs, enjoys running, cycling and walking the dog with her wife Ruth.

Dr Ravinder Singh

Head of Digital and Systems Team, Government Commercial Function (GCF), Cabinet Office, United Kingdom

Dr. Ravinder Singh is a distinguished C-level leader in digital consulting and transformation, recently named as part of Computing.co.uk‘s Top 1000 IT Leaders for 2025, recognizing the most influential IT leaders in the UK. He possesses extensive global experience across both public and private sectors. He specializes in Emerging Technologies including Generative AI, LLMs, AI/ML, IoT, Quantum Computing, RPA, and Blockchain, alongside expertise in enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and sustainability. He has successfully managed complex programs and projects with budgets up to £1.5 billion.

His impactful contributions span the World Bank, UK government, OECD, Digital Nations, UNICEF and numerous other governmental entities in Switzerland, Canada, Thailand, Colombia, Ukraine, India, Jordan, and Rwanda, Dr. Singh’s diverse industry footprint includes defense, top-tier consulting, BFSI, software, R&D, telecommunications, and oil/utility sectors.

A recognized thought leader and innovator, Dr. Singh holds copyrights for two software programs, has authored 15 research papers, and co-authored “Model Driven Business Process Engineering.” He was nominated for India’s prestigious Shri Dewang Mehta National Award for Innovation in IT and is consistently featured in Who’s Who in the WORLD (2014-2020) and Who’s Who in ASIA. Certified in PMP, Prince-2, ITIL, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, and more, he also contributes to academia as a Visiting Faculty and curriculum design.

Neil McIvor

Head of Data for Public Services, esynergy

Dinuka Wijesinghe

Co-Founder & Director, WR Logic

Dinuka Wijesinghe is a technology leader and entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience specialising in digital transformation and data solutions across both the public and private sectors. As the Co-Founder and Director of WR Logic, Dinuka spearheads the delivery of innovative digital services and comprehensive data platforms for the UK Government, utilising cutting-edge technologies and adhering to agile methodologies and GDS standards.

Currently, Dinuka leads the transformation of the OASIS platform for the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Aviation Security Directorate. In this role, he and his team at WR Logic are experts at building comprehensive data platforms that support advanced Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) solutions. Their work on OASIS elevates the platform from a data capture tool to a multifaceted aviation security data platform, enabling more accurate and comprehensive risk assessments through enriched data integration, advanced analytics, and enhanced reporting.

The OASIS transformation project involves creating a dynamic aviation security data platform by improving data collection, processing, and integration from various internal and external sources. The platform leverages advanced technologies, such as Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, and Azure Cognitive Services, to streamline data pipelines, ensure data quality, and develop predictive analytics models that enhance global aviation security.

Throughout his career, Dinuka has successfully navigated complex technology landscapes in sectors such as public services, telecommunications, and retail banking, always with a focus on delivering secure, scalable, and user-centric solutions.

Matt Jennings

Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Strategic Partnerships, Digital Business, Iron Mountain

As the Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Strategic Partnerships for the Digital Business at Iron Mountain, Matt leads a dynamic and diverse team dedicated to crafting tailored solutions that align with the strategic goals of Iron Mountain’s customers.

Prior to joining Iron Mountain, Matt served as the Vice President of Global Customer Success at Microsoft. During his tenure, he led a team that drove the adoption of Microsoft’s suite of digital solutions. Matt was the Senior Vice President of Intelligent Enterprise Solutions at SAP. In this capacity, he spearheaded initiatives that integrated cutting-edge technologies into customer enterprise solutions.

Earlier in his career, Matt held senior positions at Bosch and Accenture, where he gained
invaluable experience in operational excellence and strategic consulting. In addition, he was the founder and president of Utiligent and Global Tier, two successful ventures that underscored his ability to identify market opportunities and deliver solutions that meet evolving industry demands.

Tariq Khan

Chief Digital and Information Officer, London Borough of Camden

Tariq is an accomplished technology leader, recognized for his achievements in developing innovative products and services for major private sector companies such as Financial Times, Accenture, and Coty. With a track record of success in these high-profile roles, he has now transitioned into the public sector, where he is leveraging his extensive experience to lead a team of 400 staff across the London Borough of Camden. His leadership spans the Product, Data, IT, and Customer Services departments, where he is driving initiatives to enhance public service delivery through technology and data-driven solutions.

Moira Nicolson

Lead Behavioural Scientist, Cabinet Office

Dr Moira Nicolson is a social and behavioural scientist working across government, academia and industry. Moira set up and leads an AI evaluation workstream within the Government Communications Service at the Cabinet Office. Moira is also an Honorary Research Fellow at UCL and is a mentor to entrepreneurs on the social purpose incubator Zinc VC.

Amanda Svensson

Deputy Director, Applied Data & Insight, UK Government Communication Service, Cabinet Office

Dr. Amanda Svensson is the Deputy Director for Applied Data and Insight in the UK Government Communication Service (GCS) at Cabinet Office, where she leads a small multidisciplinary team of researchers and innovation specialists.

In her roles leading the Applied Data and Insights team, and previously as the Chief Data Scientist in GCS, she has spearheaded the ethical use of data, AI and technology within central communications. Currently, Amanda is leading the development and roll-out of a bespoke generative AI tool for the government’s communications profession, and is leading an ambitious portfolio of innovation projects and embedding a culture of innovation across GCS.

Amanda holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics, with a specialisation in neuroscience, where she studied the statistics and neural basis of behaviours. Originally from Sweden, she spent time during her research career in Spain and Canada, before settling in the UK and joining the Cabinet Office and No10 in 2016. Amanda is particularly passionate about using data and technology for the public good, bringing modern practices of data and AI to government for improved productivity and public services.

Yatin Mahandru

Head of Public Sector and Health, Cognizant UK & Ireland

Yatin is a thought leader and advisor with 40 years of experience in the public and private sectors supporting the delivery of complex, large-scale transformational programmes in the UK and globally. A member of the UK leadership team, in his role, Yatin sets and executes the growth strategy with a focus on how and where advances in technology can be beneficial to citizen services while delivering through empowered teams. He is certified coach, mediator and board-level advisor with an interest in developing future leaders and supporting boards in developing inclusive growth strategies.

Charles Baird

Chief Data Architect, Office for National Statistics

As the ONS Chief Data Architect, my teams are responsible for data design and interoperability, managing the metadata and models to make data discoverable, understandable and interoperable; for data linkage and the creation of the advanced products for improved data linkage at scale; and for the geospatial products and tooling that helps ONS understand location in statistics and analysis. Before I joined ONS at the beginning of 2023 I worked at GDS and CDDO in the Cabinet Office, leading on creating better data architectures for government. And before that I worked in the private sector for more than 20 years, mostly managing big data infrastructures.

Sarah Munby

Permanent Secretary, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, United Kingdom

Sarah Munby is the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

She was Permanent Secretary at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) from July 2020 to February 2023.

Sarah joined BEIS in July 2019 as Director General, Business Sectors. Before that, she worked at Mckinsey, where she led their Strategy and Corporate Finance practice in the UK and Ireland. Sarah has worked with some of the UK’s largest companies to change their strategic direction, and led much of McKinsey’s work on productivity across the UK economy. She began her career in the Civil Service, as an Assistant Economist in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Mark Durkee

Head of Data & Technology, Responsible Technology Adoption Unit, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Mark Durkee is Head of Data & Technology at the Responsible Technology Adoption Unit (RTA), an expert directorate within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. He leads a portfolio of work including the RTA’s work on the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard, privacy enhancing technologies, and a broader programme of work focused on promoting responsible access to data. He previously led RTA’s independent review into bias in algorithmic decision-making. He has spent over a decade working in a variety of technology strategy, architecture and cyber security roles within the UK government, and previously worked as a software engineer and completed a PhD in Theoretical Physics.

Steven Burgess

Digital Transformation and Analytics Lead, SAS

Over my 23-year career, I have been at the forefront of transforming mission critical environments and systems. In my current role as the Digital Transformation and Analytics Lead for SAS Software in the UKI public sector, my primary objective is to empower our customers with cutting-edge insights and solutions and identify the path to data driven decisions.

I take pride in fostering strong and transparent relationships with our clients, ensuring that every engagement is tailored to meet their specific needs. My role involves not just providing technological solutions but also guiding our customers in leveraging data and analytics to make informed decisions. Whether it’s leading the modernisation of customer environments through Cloud or shaping SAS’s offering portfolio, my focus remains on delivering tangible value through innovative and customer-centric approaches.

My commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond my professional career due to my role as an Advisory Board Member for UK Home Start Trafford, Salford, and Wigan. In this capacity, I contribute to defining and delivering Home Start’s digital strategy and engagement plan, supporting volunteer recruitment, and fostering corporate sponsorship to assist families with young children through challenging times.

Having served in advisory capacities at Accenture and CSC, I bring a wealth of experience to the table. My commitment to customer success goes beyond project milestones; I actively mentor colleagues at SAS, sharing real-life insights to help others achieve their professional goals.

Beyond work, I am a dedicated family person, sports enthusiast, and martial arts expert. These personal facets reflect my commitment to balance and well-being and aligns with my professional dedication to delivering impactful solutions to our valued customers.

Kamal Bal

Director, Digital, Ministry of Justice, United Kingdom

Kamal was appointed as Director of Digital at the Ministry of Justice in January 2023.

He is responsible for the 750 staff who design, run and maintain the digital services that are the bedrock of the UK’s justice system. This includes those used in His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, the Legal Aid Agency, the Office of the Public Guardian and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

As Director of Digital, he has a crucial role in delivering on the Justice Digital strategy, to create simpler, faster and better services for the people interacting with the justice system.

Before joining the Civil Service, Kamal held a range of digital roles including Chief Digital Officer at Pizza Hut Digital Ventures, Director of Global Digital Customer Experience at Avon and Head of Digital Customer Experience at Marks & Spencer.

Gina Gill

Chief Strategy Officer at the Central Digital and Data Office, United Kingdom

Gina Gill joined CDDO as Interim Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and led on the development of the vision for digital government for the UK. In July of this year, she took on the role of Executive Director, focused on transforming public service delivery and creating the right conditions to deliver government fit for a digital age.

Prior to this, Gina was Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), designing, building and running digital services to make justice simpler, faster and better, and driving user centred service design and transformation. She was responsible for 900 digital services for 90,000 internal users from prison officers to judges, and external users from legal firms to member of the public.

Gina started her working life as a software developer and has had a long and varied career in technology, working in programme delivery, operational and commercial roles. She joined the Civil Service in 2017, prior to which she worked predominantly in financial services at the Financial Conduct Authority, Lloyds Banking Group and Barclays Capital.

Tim Ketton-Locke

Deputy Director for DX4D Digital Exploitation, Ministry of Defence

Tim is a highly accomplished finance and digital transformation leader with a distinguished career spanning the civil service. Starting his journey in 2005 on the graduate trainee accountant development scheme, he qualified as an accountant in 2008 and has since held pivotal roles, including Finance Controller and Finance Business Partner. His expertise in portfolio risk management led to a significant reduction in the net cash requirement by over 35%.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tim played a critical role in the national response, leading the establishment of the Midlands testing infrastructure and serving as Head of the UK COVID Antibody Testing Programme. Under his leadership, groundbreaking advancements in home testing, genetic analysis, and serology-based diagnostics were developed. He also led the UK Health Security Agency’s Performance and Insights team, driving executive board reporting and overseeing the seamless migration of over 1.8 billion lines of code between systems—earning his team the prestigious “Team of the Year” award.

Transitioning to the defence sector, Tim spearheaded digital transformation initiatives on behalf of the Second Permanent Secretary, integrating digital solutions across warfighting operations, procurement, business functions, and platform availability. His leadership was instrumental in creating the highest-performing team in defence, delivering over 13 digital outcomes in just 18 months. He championed Agile Scrum methodologies, revolutionizing delivery approaches and driving operational efficiency.

Tim is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader, recognized for his ability to drive innovation, optimise performance, and navigate complex challenges. His breadth of experience across finance, technology, and national security underscores his strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Malkiat Thiarai

Head of Technology Practice – Corporate Information Management & DPO, Digital and Technology Services, Birmingham City Council

Malkiat is the Head of Technology Practice – Corporate Information Management & DPO for Birmingham City Council. He has over 20 years experience in the field of information law. He holds a PhD in Urban Science from the University of Warwick.

Craig Suckling

Chief Data Officer of the UK Government

Craig is the Chief Data Officer for the UK Government, working in the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO), part of Cabinet Office. He is a Data and AI leader with 20+ years of experience building companies, leading transformation strategies, navigating complex change, and generating sustainable growth with Data and AI.

Prior to becoming Government CDO, Craig was the Global Head of Data and AI strategy in AWS Worldwide Specialist Organisation. He is also experienced as a Chief Data Officer, startup founder, management consultant, and advisory board member. Craig has featured in the top 100 data leaders in the UK in 2020, 2021, and 2023.

Ankur Saini

Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S Department of Transportation

Ankur Saini is a visionary technologist and accomplished strategist with over 20 years of expertise in driving business value through cutting-edge technology initiatives. Known for his ability to lead transformational change, Ankur has a proven track record of partnering with CXOs to lead complex, multimillion-dollar initiatives in both the public and private sectors.

As the Deputy Chief Technology Officer at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) within the U.S. Department of Transportation, Ankur shapes the technology strategy to support the department’s commitment to Vision Zero, aiming for zero serious injuries or fatalities on the nation’s highways, roads, and streets. His contributions to FMCSA’s digital transformation have earned the agency the CIO100 award for two consecutive years, in 2023 and 2024, recognizing it as one of the most innovative organizations in the country. Prior to joining FMCSA, he held leadership roles at the General Services Administration and in several private sector firms, earning recognition for his strategic and customer-centric approach.

Ankur holds Bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Computer Science and an MBA from the University of Maryland. Originally from New Delhi, India, he has lived in the Washington, DC area since the turn of the century. When not immersed in technology, Ankur enjoys playing cricket and exploring the world.

Ben Henshall

Deputy Director, 10DS

Jenny Brooker

Chief Data Architect, Central Digital and Data Office

With a background as a software engineer Jenny started out writing code for submarines, but quickly found a love of all things data. Moving from building large scale data systems to leading the development of new data products at Ordnance Survey, delivering innovative new data and analytics solutions in the Utilities industry and driven data adoption and strategy at The Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Now focusing on enabling data sharing across government in her role as Chief Data Architect at CDDO Jennifer has seen first-hand the benefits that sharing and linking datasets can bring, and what happens when you put the data in the hands of the people who need it.

Christopher Pope

Head of Data Research, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Chris the Senior Principal for Data in Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s research team. For the past 17 years Chris has worked in Greater Manchester across a range of public policy areas, including planning and housing, work and skills, business and economy, health and wellbeing, and digital and information strategy. Data and information management, sharing, and use have been a constant part of his career. He has rolled out the award-winning national Digital Exclusion Risk Index, which shows the likelihood of digital exclusion at hyperlocal levels; co-authored Greater Manchester’s Information Strategy, which sets out six missions for the city region to create a better information ecosystem; developed the ESPRESSO dataset and tool, which looks at tax take and public sector expenditure at local authority area levels; managed the MappingGM platform, a website with over 400 datasets and nearly 30 interactive maps about Greater Manchester; and delivered a range of training on evaluation and cost benefit analysis across the country. His current role covers data management and use within the Research team, supporting the development of new skills and the implementation of new approaches within a constantly evolving policy landscape. He is a proud Tameside lad, but now lives in Stockport.

Ming Tang

Chief Data & Analytics Officer & Interim Chief Digital and Information Officer, NHS England

Ming has over 20 years’ experience in managing and delivering large scale change involving implementation of new operating models in complex and challenging environments.

She joined the NHS in October 2009, initially leading commissioning support services in the West Midlands as the Managing Director for Healthcare Commissioning Services and then as the Managing Director for South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Commissioning Support Unit.

Ming is currently the Chief Data and Analytics Officer for NHS England and is responsible for strategic development of data and analytics capability across NHS.

In 2021 Ming was named the most influential person in data and analytics in DataIQ’s top 100 (the first and only fully-curated power list of the most influential data and analytics practitioners) and was awarded Data and Analytics Leader of the Year for transforming the way data and analytics is perceived across the health and care service.

The team Ming leads provides NHS England with the resources to support system transformation, strategic information assets, digital tools and analysis to underpin policy development and predictive capabilities to enhance decision making and improve health and care services.

Prior to joining the NHS, Ming was a Partner with Accenture specialising in Strategy and Supply Chain work. She has worked in Europe, North America, and South East Asia where she was the Managing Partner for the Supply Chain Practice for 3 years.

Her experience spans global clients in Consumer Goods, Retail, Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing and Utility sectors. Ming holds a first-class degree in Pharmacy and an MBA from Warwick University.

Albert King

Chief Data Officer, Digital & Security, NHS National Services Scotland

Albert King is Chief Data Officer at NHS National Services Scotland (NSS). NHS NSS serves as the data hub for the health and social care economy in Scotland. Through and unrivalled mix of health and social care datasets, professional capability and it’s leading technology platform (SEER) it supports the development of insights with partners, including Public Health Scotland, Health Boards, local and national government. Previously, Albert served as Chief Data Officer in the Scottish Government and draws on over 20 years experience in industry and public sector data and technology.

Aydin Sheibani

Chief Data Officer, HM Revenue and Customs

Aydin is a Data, Analytics and Technology leader with over 20 years’ experience in the industry.  Since September 2021 he has been the Chief Data Officer for HMRC and leads on aspects of data for the Department including Data Protection, Data Science & AI, Data Strategy & Governance and Data Platforms & Technology.

Prior to this Aydin has held senior positions across a range of industries, including Transport, Health, Utilities and Financial Services.

Sue Bateman

Chief Data Officer, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, United Kingdom

Sue Bateman joined Defra in April 2024 as Chief Data Officer for the group to lead work in how data and information are used to support Defra’s own transformation journey. The vision is to put data and information at the heart of everything we do in Defra group – maximising the rich and varied data that we hold to support our missions – through the delivery of our Data and Information Strategic Roadmap.

Sue is a longstanding civil servant with digital, data and strategy leadership experience – most recently having been the interim Government Chief Data Officer at Central Digital and Data Office where she led on the development and delivery of the National Data Strategy and Digital and Data Roadmap.

Laura Gilbert

Chief Analyst, Director of Data Science, 10 Downing Street, United Kingdom

Dr. Laura Gilbert is the director of 10DS, the data science and analytics team in Downing Street, director of the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (i.AI), joint Chief Analyst for the Cabinet Office and SRO for the AI for Public Good program. Her teams provide fast-paced modelling and analysis to support policy making and delivery, deliver expert data and AI solutions into public services, and run a radical transformation agenda promoting the better use of evidence, data and technology in government decision making. She also created and spearheads a broader program of innovation, digitisation and radical upskilling in central government called Evidence House. She holds a doctorate in Particle Physics and is a Visiting Professor at LSE, and holds fellowships of the Institute of Physics and the Institute of Analytics.

Laura has a doctorate in Particle Physics and GRID computing from the university of Oxford, and undergraduate degrees in natural sciences from Cambridge. She held lectureships and a post-doctoral research position at Oxford and is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics. Laura spent three years as a quantitative analyst in the financial sector, working in modelling, analysis and artificial intelligence before joining a new medical technologies company as the second director. She spent the next decade working as a hands-on CTO bringing the company from start up to SME to acquisition, and has significant experience in software development, wearable technology, systems architecture, data integration and system/data security. She is fluent in seven programming languages, and is named on four patents, including lead inventor on two data security patents.

Daljit Rehal

Chief Digital and Information Officer, HM Revenue and Customs

Daljit Rehal is a seasoned technology and data executive with extensive experience in the field. He has a track record of modernizing digital capabilities and adopting cutting-edge technologies such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Agile methodologies.

Prior to his current role, Daljit served as the Global Digital and Data Services Director at Centrica. He has also held senior positions at Centrica, Virgin Media, Three and KPMG, showcasing his leadership in the technology sector.

As of September 2020, Daljit Rehal holds the position of Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). In this role, he is responsible for leading one of the largest digitally enabled transformations in Europe.

As CDIO, he oversees HMRC’s digital and data strategies, manages a complex IT estate, and implements the department’s IT Sourcing Strategy. He also serves as the Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO), covering various aspects of security within the organization1.

Daljit is currently the Deputy President for BCS taking up position in March 2024.

Siobhan Benita

Event Moderator, Global Government Forum

Siobhan was a senior civil servant in the UK with more than 15 years’ Whitehall experience. She worked in many of major delivery departments, including Transport, Environment, Health and Local Government. She also had senior roles at the heart of government in the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury, including supporting the then Cabinet Secretary, Lord O’Donnell, to lead work on civil service reform and strategy. Siobhan left to run as an independent candidate in the Mayor of London election. She subsequently joined her alma mater, Warwick University, as Chief Strategy Officer of Warwick in London and Co-Director of the Warwick Policy Lab.

Phil Rumens

Digital Services Manager, West Berkshire Council

With over two decades in public sector IT and Digital, Phil has a wealth of experience leading teams that deliver better, cheaper public services, facilitated by technology enabled user centred design.

Phil is part of the LocalGov Digital Steering Group and chairs the Artificial Intelligence Practitioners Group, in partnership with the Local Government Association.

He is also currently Digital Services Manager for West Berkshire Council, leading a team that creates new and manages existing digital services, and leads on new digital innovations such as the practical use of artificial intelligence.

Phil is passionate about creating better, more joined up, cost effective public services to meet the ever-evolving expectations of local government service users.

Puja Myles

Director of Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency

Puja Myles is Director of the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), which is the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) real world data research service. Puja trained as a public health specialist and epidemiologist following her initial clinical training and practice. She was then a public health academic working with real world data for many years before she joined CPRD. She is a fellow of the Faculty of Public Health (UK), a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) and holds a PhD in Epidemiology.

19 September 2024

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