Building a Better Public Sector Through Digital Innovation: Dr. Doug Guthrie, Digital Modus
Dr. Doug Guthrie, Chief Technology Officer at Digital Modus and one of its founding members, has dedicated over 14 years to transforming the UK public sector through technology. With a rare combination of deep technical expertise - he holds over 20 Salesforce certifications - and a passion for public service, Doug has architected digital solutions that improve lives, empower frontline staff, and deliver meaningful impact at scale.
Doug’s leadership has been at the heart of several transformative government projects. At the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), he served as Lead Architect for a multi-continent digital platform that streamlined consular appointments and diplomatic event management. This solution enhanced service delivery across UK embassies on three continents, making it easier for citizens abroad to access vital government support.
In another standout project, Doug led the technical development of a national Grants Management Platform for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (now DESNZ). This platform supported 330 local authorities and more than 2,500 users, processing over 330,000 citizen applications during a time of urgent need. Doug's work ensured that the platform was not only scalable and secure, but also accessible and easy to use, proving how smart, empathetic technology can cut through bureaucracy and deliver vital support swiftly and effectively.
Doug’s impact also extends into education. For Education Scotland, he spearheaded the delivery of a Salesforce CRM that manages school inspections and teacher development across the country. This data-driven system improved educational oversight and enabled more effective professional development for teachers, directly contributing to enhanced student outcomes.
At the Cabinet Office’s Office of Government Property, Doug led a GDS Alpha-phase project to redesign government services with a focus on user experience. Applying agile methodologies and citizen-first design principles, he helped improve how users interact with government digital services, setting a new standard for accessibility and service delivery.
Throughout all these projects, Doug has demonstrated a consistent commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and practical innovation. Whether helping vulnerable citizens access grants or equipping teachers with tools for growth, his work reflects a broader mission: to ensure technology serves everyone, especially those who need it most.
Doug's approach is as strategic as it is human-centred. He deeply understands the complexities of public sector delivery and the responsibility that comes with designing systems that affect millions. His ability to translate this understanding into agile, scalable, and secure digital solutions has positioned Digital Modus as a trusted partner in the public sector’s digital evolution.
In every sense, Dr. Doug Guthrie is more than a technologist, he is a builder of systems that foster trust, accessibility, and long-term societal value. His contributions perfectly embody the spirit of the Society Award category: using technology not just to innovate, but to uplift, connect, and empower.
To read more about the techUK President's Awards, visit our page here. Winners will be announced at the techUK Annual Dinner on 1 July.
Read more about our President's Award finalists:
People Award
- Transforming Healthcare through Impactful Leadership: Lynette Ousby, CEO, ReStart
- A Quiet Force for Good in Cybersecurity: Randall Mason, Fortinet
- Shaping the Future of Workforce Training Through Innovation: Evren Emre, SANLAB
Society Award
- Harnessing Technology to Protect Survivors of Domestic Abuse: Razi Hassan, Domestic Abuse Alliance
- Building a Better Public Sector Through Digital Innovation: Dr. Doug Guthrie, Digital Modus
- Driving Digital Skills and Diversity in STEM: Elizabeth Barr, Cisco
Economy Award
- Accelerating Innovation to Power the UK Economy: Adam Turner, The Data Lab Innovation Centre Centre
- Redefining Digital Trust for UK Businesses: Cindy van Niekerk, Founder of Umazi.
- Transforming Commercial Conflict into Economic Opportunity: Fayola-Maria Jack, Resolutiion
Planet Award