Interoperability in Justice and Public Safety Forum - Second session write-up
On the second session of the Interoperability in Justice and Public Safety we were joined by David Boyle, National Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme (JESIP) lead for Strategy and Transformation, and Scot Dunn, Chief Information Officer at Humberside Police.
On the second session of the Interoperability in Justice and Public Safety we were joined by David Boyle, National Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme (JESIP) lead for Strategy and Transformation, and Scot Dunn, Chief Information Officer at Humberside Police.
The session has started with an overview from Simon Hall, Chair of the forum, explaining the different ways interoperability can be defined. According to JESIP, operational interoperability is 'the extent to which organisations can work together coherently as a matter of routine'. The former Interoperability for Policing Working Group defines digital interoperability as 'the ability for digital systems to operate together seamlessly in support of operations'.
David Boyle - National JESIP lead for Strategy and Transformation
David Boyle presented to the group a background of JESIP, explaining its launch in 2012 as a cultural programme to improve collaboration between police, fire, and ambulance services. The Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017 was seen as the reason to invest more funds in JESIP, leading to significant changes and a focus on better multi-agency working.
David introduced the JESIP transformation plan, which includes developing guiding principles and core training to ensure that JESIP remains relevant and effective in today’s context. Technology has an important role in improving interoperable working, emphasising the need for better use of technology in support of JESIP goals, and also enhance collaboration among Emergancy Services. David mentioned the JESIP app, the website and the technology used for testing and exercising, highlighting also areas for improvement and opportunities for better use of technology (such as the importance of having interactive trainings).
Challenges in training accessibility, testing and exercising, as well as data analytics have been highlighted. David highlighted the need for more immersive and engaging training, better data analysis and improved technology integration.
Scot Dunn, Chief Information Officer – Humberside Police
Scot Dunn spoke about the challenges of integrating IT systems within policing, emphasizing the need for one-to-many integration layers and seamless data sharing with partners to enhance decision-making and efficiency. He highlighted the importance of open APIs for improved data exchange and integration, as well as the role of suppliers in delivering interoperable solutions. Additionally, he underlined the necessity of an interoperability strategy for police forces, stressing collaboration, clear standards, and long-term planning.
Session Outcomes and Next Steps
Following the presentations, the group engaged in discussions on refining the forum’s direction, key focus areas, and next steps. Priorities include supporting and advancing API standards and organising a dedicated session to develop a comprehensive interoperability strategy for police forces, as well as gain a better understanding of MoJ focus areas and needs in relation to interoperability and data sharing.
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!
