Event write-up: interoperability in justice and public safety forum (sixth session)
In November 2025, we hosted the sixth session of the Interoperability in Justice and Public Safety forum chaired by Simon Hall and Robert Leach. The session included contributions from Milan Bollegala (PDS) and Scot Dunn (Humberside Police) on the development of the PDS Interoperability Handbook and maturity assessment, as well as discussions on supplier engagement, technical standards, and cross-sector integration.
PDS Interoperability Handbook and Maturity Assessment
Milan provided an update on progress toward key deliverables, including a common definition of interoperability, a practical handbook, a maturity assessment, and a central knowledge repository. The handbook and maturity assessment are scheduled for stakeholder review by the end of December, with publication expected by the end of January. The aim is to insert interoperability into policing architecture and design practices, supporting procurement teams to include standards in tenders and reducing reliance on point-to-point integrations.
The maturity model is structured across four levels: foundational (secure connectivity), structural (data standards and APIs), semantic (shared vocabularies), and organisational (agreements and policies). Milan emphasised that the model provides a framework for police forces to self-assess or seek support from PDS, with a pilot planned to test the assessment in a police force. Session outputs, including the handbook draft, will be circulated once available.
Group discussion
The group discussed challenges with mandating interoperability standards, including the diversity of systems across forces, differing maturity levels, and limited adoption of existing standards. It was acknowledged that suppliers often set the pace for interoperability, and that strategic engagement, supported by strong communication of real benefits such as efficiency gains and cost savings, is essential. Humberside Police’s integration platform was shared as a practical example of how interoperability can improve efficiency and outcomes for victims, particularly through connecting multiple systems.
Participants discussed the reluctance of some suppliers to share APIs or adopt standards. The group noted the need for collective action to avoid suppliers charging multiple forces for the same development work and highlighted the potential for new entrants in the RMS market to drive competition.
Plans to engage with MoJ and other justice sector agencies were outlined, with a focus on developing use cases that span the criminal justice system, such as digital case files from police to CPS and courts. Participants emphasised the importance of aligning interoperability work with national initiatives and capturing lessons learned across forces. PDS is developing a solutions-sharing platform to consolidate guidance, case studies, and standards, expected to launch within the next three to six months.
Funding and resources
Scot Dunn from Humberside described securing significant external funding to support integration initiatives and suggested a webinar to share funding opportunities and best practices with other forces and suppliers.
End-of-year event and panel planning
The group reviewed the planning and content for the Interoperability panel at the upcoming end-of-year event, including potential audience questions. The panel will feature insights from policing forces, PDS, suppliers, and data reform, exploring topics such as the challenges of point-to-point integration, the role of interoperability in supporting AI, and funding strategies. Audience questions will be submitted via Slido, and panelists will share practical experiences while addressing both implementation and technical challenges.
Next steps
Follow-up actions include finalising and reviewing the interoperability handbook and maturity assessment, coordinating with techUK and the JESMC on a unified response to police reform, continuing supplier engagement to promote adoption of standards, preparing for the end-of-year event and a funding webinar, and progressing the new solutions-sharing platform and knowledge hub updates.
The session concluded with agreement that future meetings will continue to track progress on interoperability standards, share lessons from pilots, and engage stakeholders across policing and the justice system.
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.
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.
