2025 unwrapped: JES programme highlights and achievements
Before we step into a new year, we want to take a moment to celebrate everything we have achieved together through the 2025 Justice and Emergency Services Programme.
Over the past 12 months, we have delivered key initiatives, strengthened partnerships, and driven meaningful improvements across the sector. Here are some of the highlights of what we have accomplished together…
Data was a key focus this month, particularly within the Fire Innovation Forum, where we hosted a session focused on data quality and data sharing. Key takeaways of the session:
Fire and rescue face data gaps
Data analytics can improve real-time decision-making.
Cross-sector collaboration and stronger industry partnerships are essential.
Digital skills are increasingly important for operations.
This month brought exciting news with the government confirming funding for the New National Centre for Public Protection, designed to combat Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). The centre sets out an ambitious agenda to strengthen protection and prevention, a topic that sits at the heart of our JES programme, supported by our VAWG and RASSO working group. If you want to know more about our work in this space, visit our VAWG and RASSO Hub.
March
...saw the team hosting a briefing on Digital Forensics in Police investigations. The session touched on the progress of the Digital Forensics Programme, the current funding challenges, data sharing and collaboration across forces, and much more…
We heard from:
Mark Greenhalgh, Detective Chief Superintendent and Head of Business Change, Digital Forensics Programme
Richard Meffen, Head of Forensics Portfolio, Police Digital Service
We also kicked off our Fraud and Economic Crime portfolio with an interactive roundtable, exploring how a cross-programme approach can tackle fraud and economic crime more effectively. The strategy brings together key areas including policing and law enforcement, financial services, digital identity, telecommunications, and digital regulation. If you missed the session but want to catch up on the discussion, you can find more details here.
April
… our fantastic committee published a report on the new Procurement Act, packed with practical tips for Justice and Emergency Services suppliers on navigating its key changes. If you have not seen it yet, you can download it at this link.
We were also delighted to host our fifth Fire Innovation Forum session, this time exploring the use of drones in fire services. Discover the key insights and highlights int our event write up.
May
...was a busy month for the programme, kicking off with an event hosted in collaboration with the Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, and Lord Timpson, exploring how transformative technologies like AI can reshape the justice system.
Sheila Flavell CBE, President, techUK, UK Government Digital Skills Council and Chief Operating Officer, FDM Group
Richard Clarke, Director General, Safer Streets , Home Office
Professor Paul Taylor, National Police Chief Scientific Adviser, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)
Professor Jennifer Rubin, Chief Scientific Adviser, Home Office
Mark Thompson, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer, Ministry of Justice
Tony Blaker QPM, Chief of Staff, Digital Data and Technology Coordination Committee (DDaT CC)
Chief Constable Rob Carden, DDaTCC Chair, NPCC
Ed Preece, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Police Digital Service
Detective Chief Superintendent Claire Hammond, VAWG Programme, National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection
June
AI was the focus this month, with the JES programme joining forces with the AI programme to explore AI assurance in Justice and Emergency Services. The session featured an outstanding line-up of speakers, including Dylan Alldridge (OPCSA), Rosamund Powell (Centre for Emerging Technology and Security), Alex Habachi (Actr-AI), and many others…
We were also pleased to host a briefing with Stotles to discuss and share open data and market insights focused on justice, policing, and fire service technology procurement.
During the session, Stotles highlighted some upcoming opportunities in tech procurement, including:
The consistent strength of the tech procurement pipeline through FY 2027, with significant opportunities expected in the coming years.
The importance of tracking expiring contracts to proactively build pipeline and engage with buyers early.
The need to look for early buying signals, such as strategy documents, to position oneself ahead of the competition.
July featured techUK’s Flagship Annual Dinner, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and partners for an evening of networking and discussion.
We also had the pleasure of co-hosting a successful workshop with NPCC on tackling VAWG and RASSO. The session focused on addressing key challenges in policing through innovative approaches, enhanced reporting tools, and improved data sharing.
We’ve heard from:
Bethan Page-Jones, Director – Strategy Capability and Resources, Public Safety GroupHome Office Public Safety Group
Chief Constable Rob Carden, DDaTCC Chair, NPCC
Giles Herdale, Independent Advisor on Data Ethics in Policing
Superintendent Ed Yaxley, Avon & Somerset Police
Andy Bidmead, Police Digital Service
Claire Hammond, T/Detective Chief Superintendent, National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection
David Westby, Head of Strategy and Business Development, OPCSA
…was a relatively quiet month. We hosted a market engagement with the Metropolitan Police Serviceon Precise Police Initiatives, bringing together suppliers and technology partners to explore planned innovation pilots designed to support front-line officers through smarter use of data, digital workflows, and modern technologies.
We also supported NPCC with the National Policing Technology Reform Strategy & Roadmap roundtable, contributing to discussions on the future of policing technology.
September
… techUK and the JES programme were nominated for the Refuge Tech Safety Award 2025 in the Tech Accountability category, a huge milestone for the work delivered across the JES programme, particularly through our VAWG and RASSO working group. This nomination is a fantastic recognition of our efforts and a powerful reminder of the meaningful impact that tech for good can have in promoting safety and protecting the public.
In addition, the team attended the Emergency Tech Show, connecting with partners and exploring the latest innovations in the sector.
October
…a very busy month for the JES programme. We launched our strategic partnership with National Police Chief’s council, aiming at strengthening collaboration between policing and the technology industry through regular engagement via working groups, events and forums.
The JES team attended the NPCC Innovation and Digital Summit 2025 in Liverpool, collaborating with policing and tech leaders on digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and emerging technologies for public safety. Key themes included criminal justice reform, modernising policing, workforce digital readiness, and fostering collaboration, trust, and inclusion.
Dave contributed to the closing panel on future opportunities, while Cinzia presented on digital enablers for VAWG at the ‘Safer Streets’ session, revisiting insights from our July NPCC roundtable.
We also had our JES committee (procurement sub-group) publishing their second paper titled ‘Procurement challenges when working as or with SMEs’. The paper looks at challenges, complex procurement rules and unequal partnerships, and suggests practical ways to improve collaboration, make better use of SME strengths and support the government’s goal of building more inclusive and effective supply chains.
October was also the month of our ‘VAWG and RASSO impact day’. The insights showcase how technology and digital tools are enhancing crime prevention and support for victims, enabling early intervention, better protection, and stronger multi-agency collaboration.
Alongside this work, the Justice and Emergency Services Management Committee launched theirDigital Skills Catalogue, collating the learning and development opportunities for frontline public safety officers offered by our members! Discover the training materials in topics such as cyber, AI, digital forensics and more.
But there is more… November also saw the launch of our first Legal Tech event, in collaboration with the techUK AI team. The session explored AI adoption in law, practical strategies, real-world case studies, emerging opportunities, and provided a space for peers to connect and shape the future of legal technology.
We had the pleasure to hear from:
Dr. Janis Wong, Data and Technology Law Policy Advisor, The Law Society
Aleksandra Wawrzyszczuk, Programme Director, LawtechUK
Amy McConnell, Partner, Future Law, TLT LLP
Harry Borovick, General Counsel, Luminance
Razi Hassan, Co-Founder and Director of Partnerships and Communication, Domestic Abuse Alliance
Recognising the importance of partnership and collaboration between the tech industry and public sector, we also hosted a successful partnering and networking event with the techUK Cyber Resilience programme.
The session hosted speakers:
Charlie Morrison - Police Inspector, Cyber Griffin
Richard Morrison-Butcher - Detective Inspector, National Cybercrime Team
The event featured a lineup of fantastic speakers from across industry, policing, justice and fire sectors. All sessions and speeches aligned to the committee’s three strategic priorities ‘AI, Digital Skills, Procurement’ and looked at Interoperability and VAWG and RASSO.
As 2025 comes to an end, we are proud of everything the JES programme has achieved. This year we launched new working groups and forums, published important reports, hosted key events, and built stronger partnerships across policing, fire, justice, and the tech industry. We are excited for what comes next and look forward to building on this momentum in 2026.
Not a member of techUK but thinking of becoming one? Feel free to reach out to the team using the details below. We would be more than happy to discuss membership with you and answer any questions!
Dave Evans
Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave Evans
Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave is a former senior police officer with the City of London Police, bringing extensive experience as a Detective and senior leader across frontline operations and multi-agency partnerships at regional and national levels.
He has led and supported responses to major national incidents, including mass casualty events, counter-terrorism operations and large-scale public disorder, working closely with partners across the criminal justice sector.
Alongside his public service, Dave has also held leadership roles in the private sector, managing projects focused on intellectual property and licensing. His combined experience across both sectors gives him a deep understanding of how collaboration between service providers and end users can strengthen resilience and trust.
Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.
The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.
Prior to joining techUK, Cinzia worked in the third and public sectors, managing projects related to international trade and social inclusion.
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Fran Richiusa
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
Justice and Emergency Services Programme activities
The techUK Justice and Emergency Services Programme represents tech firms operating in the public safety, criminal justice, and blue light markets. We create strong relationships between members and public sector customers, encouraging industry engagement, and unlocking innovation. Visit the programme page here.
Voting is now open for the techUK Justice and Emergency Services Management Committee (JESMC)
Voting is now open for the techUK Justice and Emergency Services Management Committee. This is an opportunity to help shape the future direction of the programme and strengthen industry engagement across justice and emergency services.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave Evans
Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave is a former senior police officer with the City of London Police, bringing extensive experience as a Detective and senior leader across frontline operations and multi-agency partnerships at regional and national levels.
He has led and supported responses to major national incidents, including mass casualty events, counter-terrorism operations and large-scale public disorder, working closely with partners across the criminal justice sector.
Alongside his public service, Dave has also held leadership roles in the private sector, managing projects focused on intellectual property and licensing. His combined experience across both sectors gives him a deep understanding of how collaboration between service providers and end users can strengthen resilience and trust.
Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.
The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.
Prior to joining techUK, Cinzia worked in the third and public sectors, managing projects related to international trade and social inclusion.
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Fran Richiusa
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
Please note that techUK’s office will be closed from 12:00pm on 24 December.
We will reopen on 2 January.
We wish you a happy holiday season and look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year!
