Talking 5 with Local Public Services member Richard Gutsell

Each month, techUK's Associate Director for Local Public Services, Georgina Maratheftis, interviews a member active in the local government space about their vision for the future of local public services and where digital can make a real difference to people and society. This month we talk to Richard Gutsell, Client Partner, Version 1, about the impact of AI on local public services.

Welcome Richard. Firstly, tell me more about you, your career and how you got to this position today?

I began my career in safety-critical code analysis on nuclear safety systems before moving into information and cyber security, areas that have remained a consistent thread throughout my 25 years in consulting and technology. During that time, I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of government organisations, supporting complex, technology-enabled programmes in the UK and occasionally in locations I never expected my career to take me. I joined Version 1 this year to support its local government business, bringing together my experience of public-sector programme delivery, security and identity. What excites me most about the role is the opportunity to help councils improve services by applying digital technology, support frontline professionals and deliver better outcomes for citizens.

What is the greatest opportunity for local government when it comes to digital?

Used well, AI creates a significant opportunity for local government and the communities it serves. It can give frontline professionals more time to focus on what matters most, working with citizens. Councils face rising demand, increasingly complex cases and continued financial pressure, but AI will not solve those challenges on its own. Its real value will come when it is combined with service redesign, trusted data and modern digital foundations. It can reduce avoidable administration, bring relevant information together more quickly and give staff more time to apply their judgement and accelerate positive outcomes. Success should ultimately be measured through better services, greater productivity and improved outcomes.

The opportunity is substantial, but councils must get the foundations right before moving from controlled pilots to wider use. Platforms need to be secure, resilient and able to scale so that sensitive information remains protected as demand grows. Strong data governance is equally important because any AI-supported service will only be as reliable as the information behind it. Councils must also provide transparency and clear human accountability, particularly where decisions affect residents directly. Staff need the skills, confidence and guidance to use the tools effectively, while leaders need to measure whether investment is improving productivity, service quality and citizen outcomes. Together, these foundations allow councils to turn promising ideas into services that people can trust.

What is your vision for the future of local public services and places?

People should be able to find the information and support they need quickly, where and when they need it. Local public services should feel joined-up, inclusive and responsive rather than requiring residents to understand how different organisations and systems fit together. My vision is for councils to build sustainable teams over time which use trusted data, digital platforms and responsible automation to simplify access for citizens and give frontline professionals more time to focus on people. From my experience across government, security, identity and public-sector programme delivery, I have learned that transformation should not be judged by the technology alone. What matters is whether it improves outcomes, strengthens communities and earns public trust.