Event round-up: Building the Smarter State 2023
techUK’s ninth annual Building the Smarter State conference - sponsored this year by KPMG – made a triumphant return. The conference set the stage for a dynamic exploration of the most pressing and important topics for public sector digital transformation.
This year the conference brought together over 200 leaders from across the public and private sector to showcase how technology continues to shape the way we use public services, helping to build towards a smarter state.
Under the theme of innovation and impact within the smarter state, the event explored the transformative potential of both current and future technologies. The event reviewed the most pressing challenges facing our society and public sector organisations, offering fresh perspectives and insights to address them.
Attendees heard from an esteemed panel of speakers who explored a range of issues under the themes of innovation and impact. The conference started with two strong keynote addresses from Col Campbell, Partner, Public Services Technology Strategy Transformation, KPMG and the Rt Hon Jeremy Quin MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office.
Col Campbell noted the importance of creating a culture of innovation to support the transformation of tech services in the public sector. Minister Quin’s speech followed, and he reconfirmed the Government’s commitment to deliver widespread reform to data and digital services. He also spoke to the importance of collaboration between the Government and tech sector to drive forward change and innovation.
A highlight of the afternoon sessions was the keynote address from Tom Read, Chief Executive Officer of the Government Digital Service. Tom gave attendees an insight into the upcoming Gov.UK app which will showcase a more proactive approach to public services, making note of the importance of ensuring the UK is seen as a digital government leader.
Have a looked at the packed conference agenda below to find out who else participated in the event:
Innovation is culture and culture is innovation (Sponsor Keynote – KPMG)
- Col Campbell, Partner, Public Services Technology Strategy Transformation, KPMG in the UK
Delivering an efficient and smarter state (Government Keynote)
- Rt Hon Jeremy Quin MP, Minister, Cabinet Office
Fostering a Culture of Innovation for a Smarter State (Morning Panel)
Moderator
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Laura Webb, Partner, Public Services Technology Transformation, KPMG in the UK
Panellists
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Richard Corbridge, CDIO, Department for Work and Pensions
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James Freed, Deputy Director, The Digital Academy for Health and Care, NHS England
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Dan Brember, Deputy Director - GOV.UK, Government Digital Service
The public sector IT & Digital marketplace: what's the picture in 2023? (Breakout Session powered by Tussell)
- Gus Tugendhat, Founder, Tussell
Transforming to a citizen-centric model with intelligent automation (Breakout Session powered by Capita)
Moderator
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Georgina Maratheftis, Associate Director, Local Public Services, techUK
Panellists
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James Ewing, Director, ISG
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Robin Denton, Director, Microsoft
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Piers Campbell, Data & AI Guild Lead, Capita
What’s next for gov.uk in the Smarter State (Afternoon Keynote)
- Tom Read, Chief Executive Officer, Government Digital
Leaving legacy behind. It’s not all about technology (Breakout Session powered by Leidos)
Moderator
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Roz Barrance, Associate Director, Local Public Services, Leidos
Panellists
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David Knott, Chief Technology Officer, Central Digital and Data Office
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Karl Hood, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, and Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
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Venus Bailey, Principal Enterprise Architect, Cabinet Office
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Mark Watson, Chief Architect, Civil Division, Leidos UK
Embedding Impact through Digital Transformation (Afternoon Plenary Panel)
Moderator
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Sam Trendall, Editor, PublicTechnology
Panellists
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Rehana Ramesh, Head of Digital Transformation, Brent Council
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Gill Stewart, Chief Digital Officer, Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities
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Giles Herdale, Digital Strategic Intent, VAWG Taskforce, National Police Chiefs’ Council
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Jason Kitcat, Director of Digital, Data & Technology, Department for Business & Trade
You can read about our members' insights on Building the Smarter State here.
Want to get involved in shaping the agenda for next year's Building the Smarter State conference? Why not have a chat with our team about sponsorship for 2024? Contact details are below.
Heather Cover-Kus
Heather Cover-Kus
Heather is Head of Central Government Programme at techUK, working to represent the supplier community of tech products and services to Central Government.
Prior to joining techUK in April 2022, Heather worked in the Economic Policy and Small States Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat. She led the organisation’s FinTech programme and worked to create an enabling environment for developing countries to take advantage of the socio-economic benefits of FinTech.
Before moving to the UK, Heather worked at the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Central Bank of The Bahamas.
Heather holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from LSE, and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Macalester College.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-cover-kus-ba636538
Ellie Huckle
Ellie Huckle
Ellie joined techUK in March 2018 as a Programme Assistant to the Public Sector team and now works as a Programme Manager for the Central Government Programme.
The programme represents the supplier community of technology products and services in Central Government – in summary working to make Government a more informed buyer, increasing supplier visibility in order to improve their chances of supplying to Government Departments, and fostering better engagement between the public sector and industry. To find out more about what we do, how we do this and how you can get involved – make sure to get in touch!
Prior to joining techUK, Ellie completed Sixth Form in June 2015 and went on to work in Waitrose, moved on swiftly to walking dogs and finally, got an office job working for a small local business in North London, where she lives with her family and their two Bengal cats Kai and Nova.
When she isn’t working Ellie likes to spend time with her family and friends, her cats, and enjoys volunteering for diabetes charities. She has a keen interest in writing, escaping with a good book and expanding her knowledge watching far too many quiz shows!
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2015
- Twitter:
- @techUK,@techUK
- Website:
- www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://bit.ly/3mtQ7Jx,https://bit.ly/3mtQ7Jx
Charles Bauman
Charles Bauman
Charles Bauman is a Junior Programme Manager in the Central Government Programme at techUK.
He supports the programme’s mission to represent the technology supplier community to the UK government and advocate for digital innovation to address public sector challenges. Charles helps facilitate market engagement, foster partnerships, and ensure that tech suppliers and the government work collaboratively to improve outcomes, deliver value for money, and enhance public services for citizens.
Before joining techUK, Charles gained significant experience in research, analysis, and strategic advisory roles. At H/Advisors Cicero, he specialised in public affairs and corporate communications, while at Verdantix, he supported sustainability research and advisory projects, focusing on regulatory and environmental challenges.
Charles holds an MSc in Theory and History of International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and an MA in Medieval History from King’s College London.
Charles enjoys volunteering with a think tank, reading, hiking, and spending time with his dog and family outside of work.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-bauman-75712016b/
Francesca Richiusa
Francesca Richiusa
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/