Five years on: techUK and Police Digital Service renew strategic partnership
techUK is delighted to announce the refresh of the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Police Digital Service (PDS), continuing a relationship that has become an important link between the technology sector and UK policing engage with each other.
techUK is delighted to announce the refresh of the Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Police Digital Service (PDS), continuing a relationship that has become an important link between the technology sector and UK policing.
The partnership was initially established in 2021, created to build a formal link between the tech industry and PDS at a pivotal moment, as the Police ICT Company transitioned into the Police Digital Service. Since then, the agreement has been refreshed twice, each time reflecting the growing maturity, ambition and impact of the collaboration.
PDS's mission is to act as a centre of expertise, designing, building and delivering national digital and information systems for UK law enforcement efficiently and effectively. The partnership exists to raise industry awareness of the remit and objectives of both PDS and techUK among the policing and supplier communities, and to support a more transparent and accessible market for technology in policing.
Five years on
Where the original 2021 agreement was about establishing a formal channel between industry and PDS, this refresh reflects a partnership that has matured into a genuine, trusted working relationship. Over the past five years, techUK and PDS have built up years of open dialogue, joint problem-solving and shared learning, moving in the direction set out by the National Policing Digital Strategy.
The Police Digital Service's partnership with techUK represents an important step in strengthening the relationship between UK policing and the technology sector.
Five years ago, techUK and Police Digital Service (PDS) came together to build a more transparent, accessible market for technology in policing, one where industry and law enforcement could develop requirements and solutions together, rather than working in silos. This refreshed agreement reflects how far that collaboration has come: stronger relationships between the private sector and policing, and closer alignment with the ambitions set out in the National Policing Digital Strategy. As policing technology needs continue to evolve, we are proud to deepen this partnership and keep pushing for genuine collaboration and joint innovation across the sector.
Matt Evans
COO and Director: Market Programmes, techUK
Looking ahead
This refresh comes at an important moment for policing in England and Wales. In January 2026 the government published its White Paper, From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, setting out significant changes to policing. As forces consolidate, new national functions are established and priorities shift, partnerships like this one become more important as a trusted channel that keeps industry and policing aligned as the landscape around them changes.
That is where the techUK and PDS partnership counts. A strong, ongoing partnership means that suppliers get a clear view of what policing needs and where priorities are heading, and it gives PDS an opportunity to rely on expertise from techUK members and innovation.
As policing continues to evolve in an increasingly digital world, collaboration with industry is essential to delivering sustainable, innovative and strategically aligned solutions. Together, we will create meaningful opportunities to share knowledge, engage openly with suppliers, and support the ambitions of the NPCC National Policing Digital Strategy, helping to improve outcomes for policing and the communities it serves.
Edward Preece
Chief Operating Officer at PDS
techUK looks forward to building on five years of collaboration with PDS, and to the role this next chapter of the partnership will play in supporting members and policing alike through what comes next for the sector.
Dave Evans
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.
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran Richiusa
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran is the Junior Programme Manager for the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme. In this role she supports project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and policy development across portfolios including law enforcement, justice, and the fire sector.
Fran joined techUK in May 2025 as a Programme Team Assistant for the Public Sector Markets Programmes before progressing to her current role.
Prior to joining techUK, she gained experience working across local government and VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) charities, where she developed a deep understanding of public service and advocacy.
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.
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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.
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.
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran Richiusa
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran is the Junior Programme Manager for the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme. In this role she supports project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and policy development across portfolios including law enforcement, justice, and the fire sector.
Fran joined techUK in May 2025 as a Programme Team Assistant for the Public Sector Markets Programmes before progressing to her current role.
Prior to joining techUK, she gained experience working across local government and VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) charities, where she developed a deep understanding of public service and advocacy.
