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Event round-up: techUK Local Public Services Local Government Data Standards Workshop - June 2025
Thank you for joining us for the techUK Local Public Services Local Government Data Standards Workshop on 17 June 2025. This was the second meeting of the SAVVI working group for 2025.
Thank you to our speakers:
- Emily Sullivan, Head of Products, Local Digital MHCLG
- Andrew Vourdas, Data Architect, (GDS)
- Paul Davidson, Director of Standards (SAVVI)
- Chris Howarth, Databricks
- Shelley Heckman, Partnership Director, iNetwork
From funding commitments and data architecture to supplier collaboration and predictive modelling, the discussion highlighted the critical role of shared data infrastructure in building resilient, efficient public services.
Funding and Support
There was strong reassurance of continued funding and support from central government. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) reaffirmed its commitment to backing initiatives like iStandUK and the SAVVI programme, signalling sustained investment over the course of the current spending review period. These programmes are helping to embed data standards in practice and accelerate their adoption across councils.
A key element of this commitment is MHCLG’s collaboration with HACT to drive forward the UK Housing Data Standards, integrating them into a wider programme of work. This alignment helps ensure consistency, scalability, and value for money, especially as local authorities upgrade or replace digital systems.
Benefits of Data Standards
A clear takeaway from the session was the range of practical benefits that well-implemented data standards can offer. These include easier system upgrades, smoother data migration, and shorter implementation times, all of which reduce the complexity and cost of digital transformation.
Perhaps most critically, the group emphasised the importance of a consistent approach to vulnerability across local government. When councils and public bodies use common definitions and structures, it becomes significantly easier to identify needs and coordinate support.
Collaboration with Suppliers
The call for greater collaboration with suppliers came through loud and clear. Participants stressed the need for co-designed solutions that scale across the sector. By working hand-in-hand with technology providers, councils can reduce the burden of implementation while accessing tools that are better aligned with their operational realities.
API integration was also flagged as a key area for supplier collaboration. Designing solutions that support seamless data exchange is essential to unlock value from shared standards. In this context, the ambition is not just to procure better tools, but to rethink how solutions are offered to councils, with suppliers playing a more active role in delivery and long-term support.
GDS Data Standards
The Government Digital Service (GDS) shared its vision for a modern digital government, underpinned by robust data standards. Their blueprint focuses on secure, efficient services, improved business support, and tangible cost savings, all enabled by strong data foundations.
However, several system-wide barriers were acknowledged: the need for strategic leadership, better incentives, sustainable investment, building trust, and coordinated central governance. Tackling these head-on is crucial to ensure that data standards aren’t just aspirational but actionable.
Essential Shared Data Assets
The discussion also turned to the role of Essential Shared Data Assets (ESDA). These are high-value datasets with proven reuse potential that need to be brought under minimum data management standards. Doing so enhances data accessibility and promotes responsible reuse across government.
Participants highlighted how ESDA initiatives can support interoperability while ensuring that data is both consistent and trustworthy two key enablers of cross-organisational collaboration.
Vulnerabilities Working Group
One standout initiative discussed was the Vulnerabilities Working Group, which convenes public sector bodies to develop solutions for identifying and supporting vulnerable people. Working closely with domain experts, the group is refining a set of core attributes that define an individual’s vulnerability profile foundational work that supports consistency in service delivery.
The collaborative nature of this group was praised as a model for how government bodies can align around shared data goals to address real-world challenges.
SAVVI Concept and Logical Models
Another highlight was the exploration of the SAVVI concept and logical models. These frameworks are designed to collapse complex datasets into clear risk factors, single, meaningful facts about a person or household. These can then be used to assess needs and inform interventions.
A major focus was on externalising vocabularies moving away from hardcoded definitions toward flexible, scalable standards. This approach ensures that systems remain adaptable and future-proofed, especially as the landscape of public service evolves.
SAVVI API Development
Attendees also got a look at SAVVI’s API development progress, which is enabling secure access to risk factor data and supporting cross-organisational data sharing. These APIs are being tested with real-world use cases, with ongoing supplier engagement to ensure the tools meet the needs of users on the ground.
Databricks and AWS Collaboration
The collaboration between Databricks and AWS brought fresh momentum to the conversation. With a shared enthusiasm for the SAVVI project, it was outlined how they’re engaging councils, scoping use cases, identifying Trail Blazers, and working with delivery partners to implement scalable, high-impact solutions.
Potential Use Cases
The range of potential use cases for SAVVI was extensive: spanning adult social care, public health, housing, climate, cost of living, leisure, safeguarding, education, children’s services, and crime. Each use case presents an opportunity to embed standards and improve outcomes through better data integration.
Predictive SEND Solution
One particularly innovative proposal was a predictive solution for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). With councils facing mounting financial pressures, a model that integrates multi-agency data, identifies early indicators, and supports scenario planning could provide a critical lifeline for local authorities.
Funding and Support for Councils
Importantly, funding is available from AWS and Databricks for councils ready to engage with SAVVI. The focus is on co-designed projects that demonstrate both social and commercial value, aligned with SAVVI’s core principles.
Scalability and Legal Challenges
As with all transformative work, scalability and legal considerations were front and centre. Participants called for a clear framework to address the ethical and legal implications of data sharing and algorithmic processing, ensuring that councils have the tools and confidence to act within a safe, consistent environment.
Next Steps
Looking ahead, there is a shared ambition for stronger central government support to help drive adoption. This includes not only financial backing but also practical tools, policy alignment, and structured collaboration with suppliers and councils alike.
Finally, there was a strong call to action for suppliers. They were encouraged to step forward, book one-on-one sessions, and contribute to shaping the SAVVI framework. Through close collaboration, there’s a real opportunity to improve standards, deliver smarter services, and build solutions that truly meet the needs of local government.
You can watch the full webinar recording below: techUK Local Public Services Local Government Data Standards Workshop - June 2025
More information about the SAVVI Working Group can be found here: Scalable Approach to Vulnerability via Interoperability (SAVVI) Tech Working Group
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Georgina Maratheftis
Georgina Maratheftis
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.
- Email:
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Heather Cover-Kus
Heather Cover-Kus
Heather is Associate Director, Central Government and Education at techUK, working to represent the tech supplier community to Central Government.
She started as Head of Central Government at techUK in April 2022 and was promoted to Associate Director in August 2025 supporting both the Central Government and Education programmes.
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.
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- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-cover-kus-ba636538
Fred Sugden
Fred Sugden
Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.
Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.
Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07985 234 170
Austin Earl
Austin Earl
Austin leads techUK’s Education and EdTech programme, shaping strategies that support the digital transformation of schools, colleges, and universities. His work focuses on strengthening the UK’s education technology ecosystem, enhancing core technology foundations, and advancing the adoption of emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes.
Austin also chairs the EdTech Advisory Panel for AI in Education, contributing to national discussions on the future of EdTech, AI, and the UK's Education system.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07891 743 932
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- www.techuk.org
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- https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spencer-earl/
Robert Walker
Robert Walker
Robert joined techUK in October 2022, where he is now Programme Manager for Health and Social Care.
Robert previously worked at the Pension Protection Fund, within the policy and public affairs team. Prior to this, he worked at the Scottish Parliament, advising politicians and industry stakeholders on a wide range of issues, including rural crime and health policies.
Robert has a degree in Politics and International Relations (MA Hons) from the University of Aberdeen, with a particular focus on strategic studies and energy security. Outside of work he enjoys activities such as running, rugby, boxing and cooking!
- Email:
- [email protected]
Cinzia Miatto
Cinzia Miatto
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
