Driving Innovation in Local Government: Reflections from techUK’s Local Public Services Innovation Summit 2025
On 21 May, techUK brought together leading voices from local authorities and the tech sector for our annual Local Public Services Innovation Summit a flagship event designed to spark collaboration and inspire change in how councils deliver vital services to citizens.
Building on the momentum from last year’s summit, which tackled the intersections of procurement, digital skills, and emerging technologies, this year’s theme homed in on technology as a lever for real-world transformation and efficiency within local government. From case management improvements to unified data platforms, we explored how innovation can drive tangible outcomes across the sector.
The Innovation Summit comes at a critical time. Following a year of political shifts local elections, a new government, and a fresh budget 2025 now brings the introduction of the Procurement Act and a renewed emphasis on English devolution and Local Government Reform (LGR). These milestones present a unique window for public sector leaders to rethink service delivery models and embrace technology as a tool for both efficiency and citizen empowerment.
Our Local Public Services Committee has made significant strides over the past year across four core workstreams: Skills, Procurement, AI,Influence.
The discussions at this year’s Summit reflected the appetite across the sector to move from theory to practice. Delegates and speakers shared inspiring examples of digital innovation already making a difference on the ground and debated how to scale and replicate these wins more broadly.
This free-to-attend event remains a vital platform for public sector and tech industry leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and forge the partnerships needed to unlock the next era of local government transformation.
Opening Remarks: Opportunity Through Transformation
Antony Walker, Deputy CEO of techUK, welcomed attendees by highlighting the pivotal role technology must play in shaping the future of local services. Reflecting on the challenges facing the sector from complex political landscapes to ongoing budget constraints Antony struck an optimistic tone, encouraging attendees to see this moment as a critical opportunity to drive innovation, efficiency, and citizen-focused change.
He referenced the Blueprint for Digital Government, published earlier this year, which calls for data-driven decisions and deeper collaboration between central and local government, industry, and the wider public sector. He also spotlighted a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between techUK and the Local Government Association (LGA) as a model for partnership moving forward.
A Strategic View from the LGA
Owen Pritchard, Head of Cyber Digital and Technology at the LGA, echoed this call for cross-sector collaboration, noting that local government is one of the largest and most complex parts of the public sector employing over 1.3 million people and delivering up to 1,100 services across the UK.
From the white paper on local government reform to the upcoming Procurement Act and new devolution deals, Owen outlined the pressing need for local authorities to invest in digital skills, reform outdated procurement models, and embrace data and AI to enable proactive, preventative service delivery.
Panel Highlights: From Policy to Practice
Panel 1: Devolution and Digital Transformation
This panel explored how devolution and digital transformation can work hand-in-hand to reimagine local public service delivery. Key themes included governance, leadership, data-driven decision-making, and the importance of citizen-centric design in building services that truly meet local needs.
The discussion focused on the opportunities presented by devolution to enable more locally tailored innovation. Shared strategies, improved digital infrastructure, and clearer governance structures were highlighted as essential for success. Participants emphasised the value of a strong regional vision, underpinned by interoperable systems and common data models, to improve outcomes and reduce duplication. Our speakers were:
Chris Melia, Growth Director – Local Public Services, Capita Public Service
Naomi Elia, Head of Public Sector for the UK and Ireland, Juniper Networks
Tim Matson, Local and Central Government Lead, Cloud Gateway
Alex Fillingham, Account Director, Civiteq
Chris, Naomi, Alex, and Tim underscored the need for:
Evidence-based decision-making focused on citizen outcomes.
Shared architecture and governance, as seen in Greater Manchester’s digital strategy.
Practical innovation, including AI deployment and improved data sharing across services.
While digital transformation was seen as critical, panellists acknowledged the ongoing challenges particularly around skills gaps, procurement complexity, and resistance to change. Inclusive design, early engagement, and a culture shift towards openness and experimentation were identified as ways to overcome these barriers.
In conclusion, the panel agreed that digital transformation must be rooted in practical collaboration and local empowerment. Success will depend on councils having the tools, talent, and trust to deliver services that are modern, efficient, and designed around their communities.
Panel 2: Creating Efficiencies through Tech – The AI Edition
This session focused on how artificial intelligence is already helping local authorities deliver smarter, faster, and more efficient services. Themes included automation, governance, data quality, and ethical deployment of AI technologies. Our speakers were:
Sean Price, Public Sector Strategist, Splunk
Jonny Davis, Head of Data Science, ADSP
Sarah Peña, Service Manager – Digital Innovation, Wokingham Borough Council
Raj Mack, Head of Digital City and Innovation, Birmingham City Council
Alex Nash, Head of Strategy, The Access Group
Panellists shared practical examples of AI in action, including tools for automating administrative tasks, analysing environmental data, and accelerating service delivery processes. These use cases showed how AI can relieve pressure on frontline staff and support more responsive decision-making. However, speakers also highlighted that AI is only as good as the data behind it, reinforcing the need for improved data management and standards.
The conversation also addressed the risks and responsibilities of using AI in the public sector. Governance frameworks, transparency, and citizen trust were central concerns. The need for councils to balance innovation with accountability, especially in areas like social care and policing, was strongly emphasised.
The panel concluded that while AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it holds great potential when used ethically and effectively. Local authorities should focus on clear use cases, invest in skills and data, and embed AI into wider transformation plans to maximise value.
Panel 3: Challenges and Priorities for Local Government in 2025
The final panel looked at the broader landscape for local government in 2025, highlighting the challenges councils face and where priorities lie for the year ahead. Key topics included resource constraints, organisational complexity, innovation, and collaboration with suppliers.
Our speakers were:
Sharna Quirke, Founder, The Effective Method
Hannah Roden, Innovation Officer for the Integrated Digital Service, Leeds City Council/ Leeds Office of West Yorkshire ICB
Dimple Khagram, CEO and Founder, Purple Beard and techUK Local Public Services Committee member, sitting on the Skills Sub-Group Helping SMEs Overcome Talent Challenges with Apprenticeships
James Stirling - Client Director - RedRock Consulting
There was consensus that financial and staffing pressures remain the most significant hurdles, often limiting the ability to deliver services or invest in digital innovation. Bureaucracy and fragmented systems were also cited as barriers to effective transformation. Despite this, the panel struck an optimistic tone, pointing to the determination within local government to find new ways of working.
Innovation was positioned as a necessity rather than a luxury, particularly in improving service delivery and outcomes. Speakers encouraged better use of existing technology, strategic resource allocation, and stronger pre-procurement engagement with suppliers to co-design solutions. Open communication and a clear understanding of council priorities were seen as critical to building productive partnerships.
The panel concluded that by working collaboratively both across the sector and with the tech industry local authorities can better navigate complexity and build the resilient, citizen-focused services that communities need.
Closing Thoughts: A Call to Action
Throughout the day, one theme rang clear: transformation is possible but only if we do it together. Speakers and attendees alike recognised the need for:
More agile and ethical approaches to procurement
New models of partnership between councils and suppliers
Investment in people, not just platforms
As we look ahead to the implementation of the Procurement Act and continued devolution, techUK remains committed to supporting local authorities and technology partners in building the digital foundations of thriving, inclusive communities.
Get Involved
If you’re a techUK member or work in the public sector and want to help shape the next phase of local digital transformation, get in touch with our Local Public Services Programme to learn more about our workstreams and the election process over the summer for the creation of a new Local Public Servies Committee tenure.
Alison Young
Associate Director Local Public Services, techUK
Alison Young is the Associate Director Local Public Services.
Alison has background in International Trade & Investment, with experience in the public, private and third sector, advising on international trade, new markets, inward investment and working closely with UK cities and regions around investment into innovation and partnerships and technology. Prior to joining techUK, she has her own consulting business and was Head of Global Investment with the Connected Places Catapult. This role had a focus on FDI around the built environment and mobility, working across NetZero mobility projects in the UK and globally. She worked closely with the Innovation Districts Group, to foster and network of knowledge sharing and helped set up the Freeport Innovation Network, to foster innovation in the context of freeports with a focus on investment.
She spent six years living and working in the Middle East, with the Department for Business and Trade. Based first in Oman, leading on a number of sectors, from Education to Infrastructure, then based in the UAE, setting up the Technology and Smart Cities sector, with a core focus on AI and Fintech.
She is passionate about economic growth for the UK, to create jobs and opportunities; the green agenda and the decarbonisation of transport. She has a degree in Russian Studies MA, from the University of Edinburgh and is currently learning Arabic.
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
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.
Our Local Public Services Programme helps techUK members to navigate local government. We champion innovation that can create truly digital local public services helping to create thriving, productive and safer places for all. Visit the programme page here
Local Public Services Innovation Summit 2025
Attend techUK’s annual Local Public Services Innovation Summit where we will convene local authorities with tech industry to showcase good practise and facilitate greater collaboration between councils and industry.
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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.
Alison Young is the Associate Director Local Public Services.
Alison has background in International Trade & Investment, with experience in the public, private and third sector, advising on international trade, new markets, inward investment and working closely with UK cities and regions around investment into innovation and partnerships and technology. Prior to joining techUK, she has her own consulting business and was Head of Global Investment with the Connected Places Catapult. This role had a focus on FDI around the built environment and mobility, working across NetZero mobility projects in the UK and globally. She worked closely with the Innovation Districts Group, to foster and network of knowledge sharing and helped set up the Freeport Innovation Network, to foster innovation in the context of freeports with a focus on investment.
She spent six years living and working in the Middle East, with the Department for Business and Trade. Based first in Oman, leading on a number of sectors, from Education to Infrastructure, then based in the UAE, setting up the Technology and Smart Cities sector, with a core focus on AI and Fintech.
She is passionate about economic growth for the UK, to create jobs and opportunities; the green agenda and the decarbonisation of transport. She has a degree in Russian Studies MA, from the University of Edinburgh and is currently learning Arabic.
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy Modha
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
Georgina is techUK’s Associate Director for Local Public Services
Georgina works with suppliers that are active or looking to break into the market as well as with local public services to create the conditions for meaningful transformation. techUK regularly bring together local public services and supplier community to horizon scan and explore how the technologies of today and tomorrow can help solve some of the most pressing problems our communities face and improve outcomes for our people and places.
Prior to techUK, Georgina worked for a public policy events company where she managed the policy briefing division and was responsible for generating new ideas for events that would add value to the public sector. Georgina worked across a number of portfolios from education, criminal justice, and health but had a particular interest in public sector transformation and technology. Georgina also led on developing relationships across central and local government.
If you’d like to learn more about techUK, or want to get involved, get in touch.
