Introducing the new VAWG and RASSO Working Group

techUK's Justice and Emergency Services Programme is delighted to introduce the new members of the Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls and Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (VAWG and RASSO) Working Group.

The group will run for a tenure of two years and facilitate meaningful conversations and action in support of the government’s mission to halve the number of cases of VAWG.

The VAWG and RASSO Working Group is now in its second term, having originally launched in 2023. The group began with a kick-off event featuring Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, who outlined policing’s digital strategic goals and emphasised the importance of creating a space for law enforcement and their partners to engage with technology suppliers.

During the previous tenure, the group were pleased to host a range of speakers from policing and third sector organisations to share knowledge important topics such as the Internet of Things, technology facilitated abuse, the importance of diversity in policing, victim support, and online safety -to name a few!

In doing so, the group engaged in thought provoking conversations exploring challenges and best practices, helping to bridge the gap between technology innovators and those on the frontlines of justice. This collaborative spirit has built the groundwork for the group’s ongoing commitment to championing progressive approaches, fostering innovation, and supporting multi-agency efforts to improve outcomes for victims and survivors of VAWG and RASSO across the sector.

The group will be lead by Naomi Bolton (Chair) and Louise Greshem-Cullen (Vice-Chair)

We look forward to seeing how the new group will continue to contribute to positive change in this space.

Please welcome:

  • Alex Habachi, Actr-AI
  • Caroline Barnett, SAS
  • Eilidh Maclachlan, Image Angel
  • Evie Francis, BT
  • James Nahon, NTT Data
  • Kate Algate, Visav
  • Kevin Barton, Hollieguard
  • Lizzie Coleclough, Trustmarque
  • Lorna Rea, BAE Systems
  • Louise Gresham-Cullen, XMA (Vice-Chair)
  • Martin Jebb, CGI,
  • Naomi Bolton, Telent (Chair)
  • Pamela Cook, Infoshare Plus
  • Penny Ellis, NEC Digital
  • Phil Tomlinson, PrincipleOne
  • Razi Hassan, Domestic Abuse Alliance
  • Roisin McCarthy, Verifoxx
  • Rosie Stewart, Cloud Gateway
  • Sam Burton, Forensic Analytics
I am absolutely thrilled to have been re-elected as Chair of the techUK VAWG and RASSO Working Group. I have learnt so much over the past two years as Chair and I’m really looking forward to building on what we have achieved already in order to make a difference in this critical area of work. We have been so encouraged over the last few months with the momentum that has been building and the engagement we have had across policing, academia and third sector organisations. We were absolutely delighted to take part in the Round Table event in July which was opened by Rob Carden and Chaired by Tony Blaker. We are very much looking forward to seeing what happens next as we are keen to support policing as it works through it’s published problem statements. The recent MOU with the NPCC will also strengthen the engagement we hope to have with policing though our work with techUK. I am very grateful to those from the working group who voted for me and for all those (including friends from the wider JESMC community at techUK) who have supported me and encouraged me to go for a second term.

Naomi Bolton

Telent

Visit our Tackling VAWG Hub to view more contributions from our members.


Dave Evans

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.

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Cinzia Miatto

Cinzia Miatto

Programme Manager - Justice & Emergency Services, techUK

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]

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Ella Gago-Brookes

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.  

Email:
[email protected]

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Fran Richiusa

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.

 

Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.techuk.org/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/

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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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Meet the team 

Dave Evans

Dave Evans

Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK

Cinzia Miatto

Cinzia Miatto

Programme Manager - Justice & Emergency Services, techUK

Ella Gago-Brookes

Ella Gago-Brookes

Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK

Fran Richiusa

Fran Richiusa

Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK