Be Part of the Conversation
Join fellow senior Civil Servants and local government executives for candid, peer-led conversations on the real-world challenges of transformation.
Whether your focus is digital delivery, citizen services, data strategy or AI adoption, our award-winning roundtable format gives you the space to share what’s working, hear how others are approaching similar challenges, and shape thinking across government.
Choose from 30 discussion topics across the two days – and spend time on what matters most to you and your team.
Filter by:
Transformation Strategy
Co-hosts;
- Dr Kate Marks, Director of Service Transformation, Environment Agency
- Aravindhan Rajasekar, Principal Architect for Group Corporate Services, Defra
In Partnership with:
AI Use Cases
Co-hosts;
- Adam Bricknell, Head of Advanced Analytics, HM Treasury
- Euan Slack, Director of Central Digital Platform, Cabinet Office
In Partnership with:
Future Delivery Models
Co-hosts;
- Tina Churcher, Chief Delivery Officer, (Government Digital & Data), DVSA
- Tim Ketton-Locke, Deputy Director of Digital Exploitation, MoD
In Partnership with:
Implementing AI
AI is here and now. It’s real and it’s happening. However, there are challenges in integrating AI into existing systems, ensuring the technology aligns with regulatory frameworks, and addressing concerns around privacy and bias. This discussion focuses on how to overcome these challenges and in doing so, unlock the insights which AI can uncover to improve outcomes for all.
Co-host;
- Liam Walsh, Chief Technology Officer, Defra
Cross-Government Functions (Data)
Transforming cross-government functions through data-driven technologies, standardised processes, and centralised management are key to creating a more efficient, agile, and collaborative government. This session explores how data integration and smart automation can optimise decision-making, streamline operations, and drive better outcomes across all sectors.
Co-hosts;
- Eilidh McLaughlin, Deputy Director, Digital Ethics, Inclusion and Assurance, Scottish Government
- Marco Salzedo, Director of Commercial & Contract Management Capability, Government Commercial Function, Cabinet Office
Data Interoperability
- Ruth Studley, Director, CDCTP Transformation and Director of CIS, Office for National Statistics
- Katherine Williamson, Chief Data Officer, Department for Transport
Digital Workplace
Transforming the traditional office involves more than hot desking, hybrid working and ergonomic chairs, to enhance and move beyond traditional working patterns, government departments are refocused to build platforms, products and services that help create a simple, joined-up and personalised experience for each employee.
Co-hosts;
- Patrick Rickles, Head of Digital Skills & Innovation, North Sea Transition Authority
- Lee Dunn, Head of Digital and Data Profession and Scottish Digital Academy, Scottish Government
Service Modernisation
Co-hosts;
- Sarah Lyons, Head of Transformation, Ministry of Justice
- Sarah Williams, Chief Customer Officer, Westminster Council
In Partnership with:
Service Design
Co-hosts;
- Cathy Dutton, Deputy Director, Service Design & Delivery, Department for Education
- Dan Tippell, Deputy Director for Service Management, UK Home Office
User-Centric Design
Co-hosts;
- Anaïs Reding, Chief Digital Officer, Department for Business & Trade
- Chris Harvey, Head of Product & Services, Ministry of Defence
In Partnership with:
Digital Experience
Creating a seamless digital experience and ensuring digital inclusion are key to modern service delivery. What strategies can be adopted to enhance digital interactions while making services accessible to all? How can data insights help identify barriers to digital access and improve user experiences? Explore various approaches to advancing digital experiences and promoting digital inclusion, and share examples of how organizations are bridging the digital divide to ensure equal access for everyone.
Co-hosts;
- Eilidh McLaughlin, Deputy Director, Digital Ethics, Inclusion and Assurance, Scottish Government
- Verity Hislop, Senior Project Manager, Digital Office, Scottish Local Government
Operational Transformation
Technology is reshaping the core operations of government, enabling more agile, transparent, and efficient ways of working. This session will focus on how modern digital infrastructure and tools are being embedded across departments to streamline processes, reduce complexity, and enhance service delivery. From procurement to case management, we'll explore how operational transformation is creating a foundation for a more responsive and citizen-focused public sector.
Co-hosts;
- Emily Simons, Deputy Director DDT Incubator, Department for Education
- Thomas Beautyman, Deputy Director, Government Digital Capability, GDS
Data-Enabled Services
Co-hosts;
- Selina Holliday, Head of User Centred Design, Greater London Authority
- Jonathan Cairns-Terry, Deputy Director of Insight Products, Care Quality Commission
Employee Experience
Establishing a digital workplace creates an engaging and efficient work environment, fostering a culture of innovation and employee well-being. Whether that be through streamlining workflows, improving communication or automating repetitive tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more meaningful work. This session explores the direct link between transformation and employee satisfaction.
Co-hosts;
- Kate Caulkin, Director of People and Operational Management Insights, (National Audit Office)
- Sarah Brooks, Deputy Director of Digital Capability; Deputy Head of Place - East Midlands
Government Efficiency
Co-hosts;
- Lucia Webster, Deputy Director, Government Grants Management Function, Cabinet Office
- Ivana Gordon, Deputy Director, GCG Services, Cabinet Office
In Partnership with:
Change Management
Co-hosts;
- Sarah Ormerod, Programme Director of the Passport Transformation Programme, Home Office
- Madelaine Simpkin, Deputy Director, Corporate Transformation, DWP
In Partnership with:
Data Sharing
Data sharing in government plays a critical role in improving service delivery, policy-making, and transparency. How can government agencies collaborate effectively to share data while ensuring privacy and security? What frameworks or practices can be implemented to facilitate responsible data sharing? Explore the benefits and challenges of data sharing in the public sector, and discuss how it can be used to drive more informed decisions, streamline processes, and enhance citizen services.
Co-hosts;
- Nic Granger, CIO and CFO of North Sea Transition Authority
- Siobhan Dennehy, Deputy Director for Digital Competition, Analysis and Smart Data, Department for Business and Trade
Accelerating Delivery
Co-hosts;
- Richard Baines, Deputy Director, Digital Delivery, DEFRA
- Laura Adams-Foskett Transformation & Programme Director, Defence Medical Services, Ministry of Defence
In Partnership with:
AI Strategy
Co-hosts;
- Chris Darriet Jones, Chief Data Architect, Post Office
- Simon Short, Director of Data & AI, Homes England
AI Use Cases in Government
Co-hosts;
- Matthew Lyon, Chief Analyst, Government Digital Service
- Lucy Vickers, Chief Data Officer, Department of Health and Social Care
In Partnership with:
Ethical AI
The ethical use of AI is a fundamental component to successfully harness the power of AI in a responsible manner. This session delves into how public sector organisations are embedding ethical principles into AI development and deployment. It will examine current frameworks, governance models, and best practices, while highlighting real-world examples of how ethical AI is being applied in areas such as justice, welfare, and public health to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Co-hosts;
- Verity Hislop, Senior Project Manager, Digital office for Scottish Local Government
- Sholthana Begum, CTO & Senior Director, Technology and Digital, Competition Markets Authority
Operationalising AI
Co-hosts;
- Shehroze Junejo, Executive Director and Chief Data Officer, UK Government Investments
- Adam Bricknell, Head of Advanced Analytics, HM Treasury
Geospatial
Integrating data and geospatial technologies can greatly enhance decision-making and service delivery in the public sector. How can government agencies leverage geospatial data to improve policy planning, resource management, and public services? What strategies can be used to ensure that geospatial data is accurately collected, analysed, and shared across departments? Explore the potential of combining data and geospatial information to drive smarter urban planning, disaster response, environmental monitoring, and more. Discuss how this integration can lead to better outcomes and more efficient, data-driven governance.
Co-hosts;
- Patrick Rickles, Head of Digital Skills & Innovation, North Sea Transition Authority
- Simon Navin, Head of Geospatial Services, Ordnance Survey
Generative AI
Co-hosts;
- Esra Kasapoglu, Director of AI and Digital Economy, Innovate UK
- Sam Rose, Deputy Director, Advanced Analytics, Department for Transport
In Partnership with:
Data Automation
Co-hosts;
- Charles Baird, Chief Data Architect, ONS
- Praveen Tomar, Head of Data Automation, Ofgem
Better Decision Making
- Ivana Gordon, Deputy Director, GCG Services, Cabinet Office
- Dr Carla Groom, Deputy Director of Human Centred Design Science, DWP
Citizen Experience
Co-hosts;
- Honey Dacanay, Director General, Digital Policy Government of Canada
- Rizwana Parveen, Director/SRO, Fraud, Error & Debt Transformation programmes, Department for Work and Pensions
Citizen Journey Mapping
It's essential to understand the citizen experience at every service interaction point to enhance service delivery. What methods can be employed to map and optimise the citizen journey? How can data insights be utilised to pinpoint areas of friction? Explore various techniques for mapping the citizen journey and share examples of how others are using journey maps to foster service improvements.
Co-host:
- Sarah Rose Deputy Director, Digital Justice System, Ministry of Justice
Data Culture
Co-hosts;
- Jen Bruce, Head of Data Strategy and Governance, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- Martin Waudby, Chief Data Officer, London Borough of Camden
Learning, Working & Productivity
Co-hosts;
- James Freed, Deputy Director, NHS Digital Academy
- Thomas Beautyman, Deputy Director, Government Digital Capability, Government Digital Service
Data Optimisation
Co-hosts;
- Shelina Hargove, Head of Prisons Digital, Ministry of Justice
- Corrine Richardson, Deputy Director, Head of Data Engineering, Department for Education
In Partnership with:
Cross-Government Functions (Digital Transformation)
The functions of commercial, IT and digital, property, major projects, finance and HR are prevalent in every government department, agency and entity. Transforming these cross cutting-functions by integrating technology, standardising processes and centralising management are critical to building a more efficient, agile and collaborative government. This session explores how these efficiencies can be realised.
Co-hosts;
- Alexis Castillo-Soto, Group Deputy Director, Digital Mission and Transformation, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and Department for Science Innovation
- Ellie Moir, Deputy Director, HM Treasury
Process Improvement
Improving the government starts with improving processes. Beyond just data, outdated systems, siloed workflows, and rigid procedures often slow progress. This session explores how to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and modernize the way departments work—laying the foundation for more responsive services and better outcomes for all.
Co-hosts;
- Ade Bamigboye, Chief Technology Officer, Kensington and Chelsea Council
- Olivia Labonté, Deputy Director Performance & Assurance, Government Digital Service
Cross-Government Insights
Garnering insights through harnessing technologies, standardised processes, and centralising functions across government is essential for developing sharper decision making processes. This session focuses on how government insights, powered by the DDaT profession, can drive informed decision-making, reveal key trends, and optimise operations to deliver more effective public services and outcomes.
Co-hosts to be confirmed.
Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics empowers the public sector to make proactive, future-focused decisions. By analysing historical data and trends, it enables departments and agencies to anticipate challenges and opportunities, allowing for smarter resource allocation and better planning. This forward-thinking approach helps governments stay ahead of issues like public health crises, crime patterns, and infrastructure needs, ensuring timely interventions. Predictive analytics drives more effective, strategic decisions, creating a more resilient and responsive public sector.
Co-hosts to be confirmed.
AI Human Teaming
AI and human collaboration is becoming central to the transformation of public sector operations. This session explores how AI can augment human capabilities to enhance decision-making, improve service delivery, and increase efficiency. It will highlight current initiatives, tools, and strategies being adopted across government departments, along with practical examples from areas such as healthcare, public safety, and social services.
Co-hosts to be confirmed.
AI Governance
AI governance frameworks are essential for ensuring the responsible and ethical deployment of artificial intelligence in the public sector. This session explores how government organisations are developing and implementing robust governance structures to oversee AI systems. It will examine key principles, policies, and best practices both in theory and in practice, ensuring frameworks are in place which underpins public confidence in the system.
Co-hosts to be confirmed.
Scaling-Up Adoption
Scaling up AI adoption in the public sector requires investing in secure, interoperable infrastructure, upskilling employees, and strengthening data governance. Governments must ensure systems can handle large data volumes, while fostering a culture of innovation through training. Ethical AI use and data privacy are critical to building trust when delivering at scale. By focusing on these areas, AI can enhance efficiency, improve public services, and drive better outcomes for citizens.
Co-hosts to be confirmed.
Building Trustworthy AI
Building trust and confidence in AI is essential for its successful adoption across the public sector. This session explores how government organisations are fostering public trust by embedding transparency, accountability, and fairness into AI systems. It will examine governance frameworks, ethical standards, and practical measures being implemented, along with real-world examples, showcasing how responsible AI practices are helping to build confidence in the technology and its outcomes.
Co-host:
- Diane Barlow, Chief Information Officer, Food Standards Agency
Eliminating Waste
Agentic AI
Co-hosts;
- Duncan Brown, Head of Software Engineering, Incubator for AI
- Craig Martin, Fraud Analytics Lead & Head of Programme, Cabinet Office
In Partnership with: