July Summary | What the techUK Health and Social Care Programme Delivered
This month marked a pivotal step for the health and care industry following the publication of the 10-year health plan and the life sciences sector plan, and the MHRA’s response to its 2024 consultation on medical devices regulation. The techUK team engaged in extensive discussions with the Council, life sciences working group, and members to analyse these developments and chart the path forward.
While the industry awaits the implementation procedures for the 10-Year Health Plan , techUK is preparing to deliver an unprecedented final quarter of 2025, featuring more events and opportunities than ever before.
Flagship Events will deliver High-Profile Leadership Engagement
Our flagship events have secured confirmed keynote speeches from distinguished public sector leaders:
- Sir James Mackey, NHS Chief Executive, and Vin Diwakar, National Director of Transformation (interim) at the Health and Care Summit
- Sam Roberts, NICE CEO, and Sam Jones, DHSC Permanent Secretary, at the London Industry Dinner
SME Support Initiative
This quarter, techUK is strengthening its support for SMEs with several key initiatives:
Evidence Pack Publication
In conjunction with the Summit, we are publishing an evidence pack designed to spotlight how SME solutions can support the 10-Year Health Plan vision. This report will showcase both individual SMEs and collaborative partnerships, creating a valuable resource for industry and public sector stakeholders alike.
This initiative aims to:
- Showcase SME-led digital health innovation
- Promote growth and scaling opportunities
- Highlight how larger members are supporting SME partnerships
Submission deadline: 15 August
For detailed information on the submission process, please visit this page.
International Trade Support
SMEs expanding internationally are invited to contribute to our trade programme's research. We're developing a report that addresses the challenges SMEs face in international expansion and will provide the Government with targeted policy recommendations.
Contact: [email protected]
Key Events Overview
techUK Roundtable with Sonia Patel NHS CTO: Building the NHS Digital & Data Blueprint
NHS England CTO Sonia Patel led a comprehensive roundtable with industry representatives to discuss the development of the NHS Digital & Data Blueprint.
Stotles x techUK Webinar on AI and Emerging Technology in Healthcare
Stotles explored how suppliers can seize emerging opportunities in AI and digital technologies as the NHS undergoes major transformation.
NHSBT DASP Pre-Market Engagement – Roundtable Insight
The session allowed suppliers to share insights on building a scalable, resilient, and digitally enabled platform that enhances donor and session management while meeting clinical and user needs.
Event round-up: Cloud transformation and the NHS
techUK convened industry leaders and public sector experts to explore how cloud technology can enhance public service delivery.
Event Round-Up | Health Foundation Industry Briefing on NHS & Social Care Digitisation
The Health Foundation to share key findings from their recent report on the investment needed to digitise the NHS and adult social care.
Health, Social Care, and Life Sciences Policy Review (Q2)
Key developments included the 10-Year Health Plan's focus on digitalisation and prevention, structural changes within DHSC-NHSE leadership, and new initiatives like the NHS App roadmap and the Single Patient Record.
News and Insights
MHRA Publishes Government Response on Medical Device Regulation
The MHRA published the UK Government’s response to its 2024 consultation on medical device regulation, outlining reforms aimed at modernising market access in Great Britain.
Robert Walker
Head of Health & Social Care, techUK
Robert joined techUK in October 2022, where he is now Programme Manager for Health and Social Care.
Robert previously worked at the Pension Protection Fund, within the policy and public affairs team. Prior to this, he worked at the Scottish Parliament, advising politicians and industry stakeholders on a wide range of issues, including rural crime and health policies.
Robert has a degree in Politics and International Relations (MA Hons) from the University of Aberdeen, with a particular focus on strategic studies and energy security. Outside of work he enjoys activities such as running, rugby, boxing and cooking!
- Email:
- [email protected]
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Rachel Kennedy
Programme Manager Health and Social Care, techUK
Rachel joined techUK in December 2024, as a Programme Manager in the Health and Social Care team.
Prior to this, Rachel worked at a specialist health and social care public affairs agency, working with a range of organisations and trade bodies across the medical technology, pharmaceutical, digital health and social care sectors. As well as this, Rachel was part of the Secretariat for a number of health and care related All-Party Parliamentary Groups.
Rachel has a Masters in Global Governance and Diplomacy from the University of Leeds, as well as a first-class honours in Politics BA from Newcastle University.
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Lewis Stewart
Programme Manager ‑ Health and Social Care, techUK
Lewis brings a multidisciplinary background spanning health policy, stakeholder engagement, digital innovation, and elite sport. A former Commonwealth Games champion, he draws on the resilience, adaptability, and team-driven mindset gained through years of high-performance competition.
Before joining techUK, Lewis supported a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons, where he led on constituency engagement and produced evidence-based research to inform debates, committee work, and policy advocacy. He has also helped shape youth wellbeing policy through the Youth Sport Trust, collaborating with government, education, and grassroots networks to drive impact.
Lewis has played key roles in health tech and mobility startups, helping to bring innovative solutions to market and improve user experience in complex systems. With a degree in Biochemistry and Pharmacology, he combines analytical thinking with a passion for evidence-led, people-centred change.
- Email:
- [email protected]
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Viola Pastorino
Junior Programme Manager, Health and Care Team, techUK
Viola Pastorino is a policy, governance, and strategic communication specialist.
She joined techUK as the Junior Programme Manager in the Health and Care Team in April 2024.
She has obtained a Bachelor of Sciences in Governance, Economics, and Development from Leiden University, and a Master's programme in Strategic Communications at King's College London. Her academic background, leading up to a dissertation on AI policy influence and hands-on campaign development, is complemented by practical experience in international PR and grassroots project management.
She is skilled in qualitative and quantitative analysis and comfortable communicating findings to varying stakeholders. Above all, she is deeply passionate about the intersection of technology and government, especially how technology and global discourse shape one another, the processes that lead to belief polarisation and radicalisation of communities, and crafting strategic narratives that steer public discourse.
Outside of work she loves reading, live music light operation, and diving.
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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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/
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Health and Social Care Programme activities
techUK is helping its members navigate the complex space of digital health in the UK to ensure our NHS and social care sector is prepared for the challenges of the future. We help validate new ideas and build impactful strategies, ultimately ensuring that members are market-ready. Visit the programme page here.
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