Agenda

The plenary session will be followed by a choice of informative seminar sessions featuring case studies from across the public sector.

Please see below for more details of the plenary and seminars…

Agenda – plenary and seminars

Thursday 3rd October 2024, Manchester Central, Manchester M2 3GX

09:30 Plenary session

Chair: Douglas Hamandishe, Deputy Mayor of Medway, Digital Health Transformation Leader, Mental Health Advocate, Social Media & Branding Expert

Jon Burt, Head of Enterprise Architecture, Manchester City Council
Unlocking the Value of Data Collaboratively Using a Distributed Data Mesh

The pandemic further increased an already growing awareness of the opportunities that data and analytics can bring to Greater Manchester’s (GM) public bodies, and the greater Manchester region is looking to help realise these benefits by creating a data mesh concept. The addition of the data mesh will satisfy a long-standing ambition to better use the rich data created by the combined GM organisations to improve outcomes for individuals and families within the region.

Steve Sopp, Commercial and Strategy Lead, Transport Technology Services, Crown Commercial Service
Supporting innovation in transport technology and driving value for the public sector

In an era of rapid technological progress, the transport sector faces exciting opportunities and challenges. Join us as we explore how CCS is supporting innovation in transport technology, and driving value for the public sector.
From potholes to predictive data analytics, technology is revolutionising how we manage our transport networks. This session will provide an overview of the sector, outline how the new procurement regime is supporting SMEs and Innovators, and explore strategies to deliver value through procurement.

Dr Jonathan Bright, Head of AI for Public Services, The Alan Turing Institute
Use of generative AI to transform public services.

More speaker details here soon

Following the Chair’s welcome and a presentation from each speaker the plenary session will end with Q&A, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and promote discussion on the issues which are of most importance to them.

1045 – 1115 Refreshments and networking

1115 – 1135

1A Innovation through collaboration: optimising public sector, academia and industry partnerships

James (Jim) McBride, Chief Financial Officer, SRC UK
Professor Fiona Strens, Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Artificial Intelligence, University of Lincoln

1140 – 1200

2A Connectivity for innovation – The demand for connectivity is growing at an ever-increasing pace. This session will highlight the challenges of procuring reliable, secure, and scalable wireless infrastructure. Examples from across the public sector will highlight how the adoption of today’s digital transformational solutions has been made possible through cellular connectivity. Although a newer wireless service offering, in-building cellular networks are recognised as a vital foundation for delivering the benefits of technologies such as AI, IoT or edge computing. Join us to explore the connectivity challenge and remove barriers to digital innovation in public services.

Ben Righton, Director for Public Sector & NHS, Freshwave

1205 – 1225

3A Thought leadership: Building a strategy for future-ready ecosystems for government institutions – Join us to explore the strategic importance of data in creating adaptable, future-ready cloud ecosystems tailored for government institutions. This session highlights how Ecosystem Enablement through technologies like Microsoft Power Platform, Azure, Dynamics, Fabric, and Purview can solve real-world problems by enhancing data quality, integration, and governance. Discover how these capabilities empower insightful AI applications, leading to more efficient, creative, and governed solutions. Ideal for business leaders, solution architects, enterprise architects, and aspiring ecosystem architects, this presentation offers essential insights into leveraging low-code solutions and AI for building resilient and dynamic systems in the public sector.

Sonia Waters, Pre-Sales Architect, Kerv Digital
Ana Welch, Solutions Director, Kerv Digital

1315 – 1335

4A Maximise the value from your ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or FMS using next generation Source-to-Pay technology
Join us to discover how Spend Management solutions can enhance your ERP, Finance and Supply Chain systems. During the session, Jemma and Sophie will explain how systems can work seamlessly together to streamline your finance and procurement processes.

You will learn:

– How technology can cut costs, improve spend visibility and drive increased value.
– How AI and Machine Learning are shaping Finance and Procurement.
– How to tackle supplier non-performance and non-compliance.
– How to manage and optimise contracts effortlessly in light of the UK Procurement Act.
– How to leverage AI in your invoice capture process.

Jemma Bell, UK Public Sector Account Executive, Proactis
Sophie Vaughan, Solution Engineer, Proactis

1340 – 1400

5A Mastering legal data challenges: Navigating eDiscovery in the public sector – Join us for a panel discussion that will explore the importance of understanding your organisation’s data and how your actions can impact downstream legal processes. With the support of Stephanie McGarry, Partner at Browne Jacobson, Anexsys will introduce you to eDiscovery procurement, best practises and the important roles of IT, legal and leadership teams throughout an eDiscovery exercise.

Listen to our expert panel discuss the legal and technical considerations when handling Public Inquiries, Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs), Internal Investigations, and other use cases.

Amy Duncan, Technical Director, Anexsys
Rob Crowley, Managing Director, Anexsys
Stephanie McGarry, Partner, Browne Jacobson

1405 – 1425

6A Global insights into the future of citizen data use; The importance of putting the citizen at the heart of public services in the age of Gen AI and data sharing – With more and more focus on data sharing to improve public services; we risk increasing the digital divide between those citizens who are happy for their data to be shared and used; and those who are not.

We will discuss the most likely models we will see in the future; discuss global comparisons; trends and the key challenges and risks organisations may face.

This session will include a discussion, and a demonstration of what citizen focused public services could like in the future.

Zoe Gould, Director for Product & Public Sector Delivery, Deloitte Digital
Eric Applewhite, Data and AI Director, Deloitte Digital
Simon Eckstein, Public Sector Product Lead, Deloitte Digital

1455 – 1515

7A Mental health digital transformation

Douglas Hamandishe, Deputy Mayor of Medway, Digital Health Transformation Leader, Mental Health Advocate, Social Media & Branding Expert

1520 – 1540

8A Inclusive innovation: harnessing tech and AI to empower vulnerable citizens

Mike Stewart, Head of Digital Practice, ArvatoConnect
Stephen Miller, IT and Innovation Director, ArvatoConnect

1115 – 1135

1B Streamlining feedback and enhancing data security: A case study from an NHS children’s hospital – Join us for an in-depth look at how one of the UK’s top children’s hospitals transformed its feedback management process using SmartSurvey’s unified, GDPR-compliant platform. This case study will showcase how the hospital overcame challenges related to data duplication, quality inconsistencies, and compliance concerns by centralising their survey tools and implementing robust data governance practices. We’ll discuss the tangible benefits, including a significant cost reduction, improved data quality, and enhanced confidence in managing sensitive information. Discover how this solution not only streamlined operations but also empowered the hospital to undertake critical Trust-wide projects with newfound security and efficiency.

Neil Stone, Head of Marketing, SmartSurvey

1140 – 1200

2B Empowering accessibility: Harnessing AI with Microsoft Technology in the public sector – Join us to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising accessibility in the public sector. Discover how Microsoft’s cutting-edge AI technologies are breaking down barriers and creating inclusive environments for all. From real-time speech-to-text transcription to intelligent image recognition, learn how AI-driven solutions are enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and ensuring equal access to public services. This session will delve into practical applications, success stories, and the future of AI in fostering an inclusive society. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how AI can transform accessibility and drive positive change across the public sector

Abbie Lowe, Chief Technology Officer, Central Government, Microsoft

1205 – 1225

3B AI Adoption: Start Small, Scale for Success – This session will explore a practical approach to AI adoption, emphasising the importance of starting with small, low-risk projects and gradually scaling for sustainable success. Based on real-world examples, and insights from our work with clients, you will learn how to overcome some of the common challenges in AI implementation, avoid disillusionment, and drive impactful results by focusing on solving real business problems. Key strategies covered include aligning AI initiatives with business objectives, mapping use cases to the appropriate levels of autonomy to understand risk, and identifying reusable patterns and code to accelerate progress.

Join us to discover actionable steps your organisation can take to start small and confidently navigate the complexities of AI-driven transformation.

Rob Ellison, Head of Architecture, Airwalk Reply
Abi Wareing, Senior Manager, Airwalk Reply

1315 – 1335

4B AI/big data – Two of the most hyped technology trends in recent years, with one highly dependent on the other. CCS will share its most recent insights into the impact AI and Big Data are having on the commercial landscape.

Philip Belzar, Category Lead for Technology Products, Crown Commercial Service
Clair Hayward, Category Lead for Big Data and Analytics, Crown Crown Commercial Service

1340 – 1400

5B G-Cloud – The next generation – Discover our plans to make GCloud 15 the best it’s ever been, offering public sector customers a route-to-market for cloud services, fully compliant with all relevant policies, playbooks and the new regulations, including for the first time, a price, technical capability and quality assessment. Understand how these changes will simplify the customer buying experience, delivering greater value.

Neal Smith, Category Deputy Director for Cloud and Hosting, Crown Commercial Service
Sharon Jones, Commercial Lead, Cloud and Hosting, Technology Category, Crown Commercial Service

1405 – 1425

6B Speak data: Scaling with AI – with a live demo
Join and insightful session delving into the vast landscape of modern data and the essential skills for effective management. This presentation highlights how artificial intelligence tools can revolutionise data handling, fostering deeper analysis and informed decision-making. Attendees will experience a live demo where Matthew and David demonstrate coding custom data manipulation tools using AI, offering practical, hands-on learning. Whether you’re new to data science or seeking to advance your skills, this session will empower you to master the language of data and leverage AI for maximum impact.

Matthew Cooksey: Director of Innovation, QA

Crown Commercial Service dedicated theatre – 20 minute sessions, repeated in the afternoon

1045 Mobile Voice and Data Services
How to save up to 80% on your mobile voice and data budget to invest in Smart City Future Connectivity projects.

Chris Roberts, Crown Commercial Service

1130 TPP (Transforming Public Procurement) application in practice – TS4 / DOS 7
Presenting on the challenges and opportunities of PPA 2023 will bring, new ways of working, embracing uncertainty and ‘democratic design’.

Agata Taylor, Commercial Lead, Crown Commercial Service
Connie Hutchins, Senior Commercial Lead, Crown Commercial Service

1215 Aggregation – what’s next from CCS?
Frameworks, MOUs, Demand Pooling Aggregation – what’s next? looking beyond the current aggregation levers available from CCS to drive further value for the UK public sector, through leveraging our scale in an ever more effective manner.

Dr Philip Orumwense CBE,Commercial Director and Chief Procurement Officer for Technology, Crown Commercial Service

Break for lunch and networking

1315 TPP (Transforming Public Procurement) application in practice – TS4 / DOS 7
Presenting on the challenges and opportunities of PPA 2023 will bring, new ways of working, embracing uncertainty and ‘democratic design’.

Agata Taylor, Commercial Lead, Crown Commercial Service
Connie Hutchins, Senior Commercial Lead, Crown Commercial Service

1400 Aggregation – what’s next from CCS?
Frameworks, MOUs, Demand Pooling Aggregation – what’s next? looking beyond the current aggregation levers available from CCS to drive further value for the UK public sector, through leveraging our scale in an ever more effective manner.

Dr Philip Orumwense CBE,Commercial Director and Chief Procurement Officer for Technology, Crown Commercial Service

1445 Mobile Voice and Data Services
How to save up to 80% on your mobile voice and data budget to invest in Smart City Future Connectivity projects.

Chris Roberts, Crown Commercial Service

1605 Panel debate and Q&A – How will the change of government affect digital transformation of public services?

Our panel of experts discuss the findings and key points from the day and subjects raised by the audience: your chance to ask any burning questions!

Chair: Douglas Hamandishe, Deputy Mayor of Medway, Digital Health Transformation Leader, Mental Health Advocate, Social Media & Branding Expert

Alex Hammond, Partner, Airwalk Reply

Abbie Lowe, Account CTO, Microsoft UK

Philip Orumwense CBE, Commercial Director and Chief Procurement Officer for Technology, Crown Commercial Service

Please note agenda, sessions and workshop times and speakers are subject to change

Conference Organiser

Public Sector Connect Ltd
Lockside Mill
St Martin’s Road
Marple
Stockport
SK6 7BZ

T: 0161 482 7850
E: digitech@publicsectorconnect.org

Company Reg No: 06918869

Digitech24

Digitech24 event is brought to you by Public Sector Connect Ltd in partnership with Crown Commercial Service

Conference takes place

Thursday 3rd October 2024

Charter Suite,
Manchester Central,
Windmill St,
Manchester,
M2 3GX