Interoperability in Justice and Public Safety Forum - Fourth session write-up
The fourth session of techUK’s Interoperability in Justice and Public Safety Forum explored cross-sector data sharing, technical standards and integration for policing, justice, and related public services.
The session included presentations and contributions from Luke Ryder (Open Banking), Teresa Ashforth (Home Office), Sarah Blake (CJS Data Programme), and Louise Adams and John Malcolm (National Police Technology Strategy).
Luke Ryder (Open Banking): Introduction to Open Banking
Luke Ryder opened the session with an introduction to Open Banking, tracing its evolution from a UK Competition Market Authority (CMA) initiative aimed at improving competition in the banking sector. He emphasized that at the heart of Open Banking there is the principle that customers own their data and should be empowered to use it freely and securely.
The framework's foundation was built upon the development of shared technical standards and regulations, notably the EU’s Payment Services Directive 2, which covered the way for secure API-based data exchange between banks and third-party providers. Luke highlighted how these standards were developed through rigorous consultation with banks and fintech to ensure buy-in and real-world applicability.
Luke outlined the implementation journey, noting the CMA’s regulatory mandate that required the UK’s nine largest banks to not only comply with Open Banking but to fund its creation and deployment. This collaborative, industry-wide approach brought together major banks, regulators, and fintech companies through working groups and workshops to co-design technical specifications.
Open Banking initially faced resistance from major banks, but then stakeholders recognised shared benefits. This led to viable partnerships and a shift toward sustainable, market-led funding. Luke explained the move from mandatory contributions by the big nine banks to a more commercial model, where all market participants contribute. Options include pay-per-API-call and broader cost-sharing. He also referenced the UK’s Data Use and Access Act, which supports applying Open Banking principles to other sectors.
A key success factor has been the adoption of international standards like ISO and FAPI. Ryder stressed the importance of industry consultation and feedback to refine these standards, with the CMA stepping in when consensus is not possible. Luke concluded by highlighting how Open Banking infrastructure (such as customer verification and secure directories) could support innovation in sectors like energy, telecoms, healthcare, and justice.
Teresa Ashforth (Home Office), Data Reform Programme in Policing
Teresa Ashforth from the Home Office provided an update of the Date Reform Programme, emphasizing the need to treat data as a national asset, outlining initiatives to improve data quality, mandate consistent standards, and hold chief officers accountable for compliance.
She explained that data maturity assessments are now part of inspection processes and highlighted ongoing challenges with data sharing. A central data hub is being proposed to make it easier for police forces to share information and reduce admin work.
Teresa also mentioned about the economic value of police data, and the importance of defining clear data requirements to guide investment decisions and system design. Engaging with the supplier community is essential to ensuring that data tools are aligned with operational needs.
Sarah Blake, Ministry of Justice, Data Improvement Programme
The forum aims to expand its focus from policing to include the wider justice system, exploring good practices, ongoing work, and the challenges faced across the sector. On this session we had a presentation from Sarah Blake, from the Ministry of Justice, who gave an update on the Data Improvement Programme, which is focused on linking datasets across police, courts, and probation services. She highlighted ongoing work to address inconsistencies in data categorisation and the creation of a linked dataset to support better decision-making and performance tracking. Sarha shared insights from a pilot in Essex where linking police and probation data helped improve the effectiveness of probation officers, an approach that is now being considered for national rollout.
Sarah stressed the need for continuous data sharing and consistent data collection methods across the criminal justice system. Integrated systems will improve coordination between agencies, improving outcomes for the public.
Louise Adams and John Malcolm, National Policing Technology Reform Strategy & Roadmap update
Louise Adams and John Malcolm presented the National Police Technology Strategy and accompanying roadmap. They shared the importance of aligning technology with broader digital and operational strategies and reiterated the need for close collaboration with industry partners.
They also announced an upcoming industry engagement event in September, which will offer visibility into the future state architecture and invite feedback and challenge from suppliers to help shape the path forward. techUK is currently planning the session with the team and will share more information due in course.
You can find the slides for the presentation here.
Conclusions
The group concluded with several actions for upcoming sessions, including supporting the Police Digital Service in providing feedback on the Interoperability Readiness Checklist intended for police forces.
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
Ella joined techUK in November 2023 as a Markets Team Assistant, supporting the Justice and Emergency Services, Central Government and Financial Services Programmes, before progressing into Junior Programme Manager in January 2024.
Before joining the team, she was working at the Magistrates' Courts in legal administration and graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022. Ella attained an undergraduate degree in History and Politics, and a master's degree in International Relations and Security Studies, with a particular interest in studying asylum rights and gendered violence.
In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, watching true crime documentaries, travelling, and making her best attempts to become a better cook.
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.
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.
Event Round Up: Justice and Emergency Services Reception 2025
Building on the success of last year, we were pleased to elevate our annual reception to a conference, hosting an array of fantastic speakers representing the policing, justice, public safety, government and technology industry.
Interoperability in Justice and Public Safety Forum – Third Session
Our JES Interoperability Forum will serve as a collaborative space where tech companies and criminal justice and emergency services stakeholders can engage openly, discussing and supporting the communication transformation and data sharing across police forces, ambulances, fire services, courts, prisons and probation 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.
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
Ella Gago-Brookes
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Ella joined techUK in November 2023 as a Markets Team Assistant, supporting the Justice and Emergency Services, Central Government and Financial Services Programmes, before progressing into Junior Programme Manager in January 2024.
Before joining the team, she was working at the Magistrates' Courts in legal administration and graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022. Ella attained an undergraduate degree in History and Politics, and a master's degree in International Relations and Security Studies, with a particular interest in studying asylum rights and gendered violence.
In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, watching true crime documentaries, travelling, and making her best attempts to become a better cook.
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Francesca 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.
Join us to hear The Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, this year’s keynote speaker at Building the Smarter State Conference!
