November wrap-up: what the techUK health and social care programme delivered
The month built on the momentum of our London Industry dinner, which convened nearly 300 industry and public sectors leaders for an evening of strategic dialogue. We were honoured to welcome Samantha Jones, Permanent Secretary at DHSC, and Samantha Roberts, CEO of NICE, whose keynote contributions underscored the importance of partnership, innovation and clarity of vision across the sector.
Alongside this, both the Life Sciences and Social Care working groups entered their election period for Chair and Vice Chair roles. Members interested in stepping forward or joining the groups are encouraged to contact the programme team. Please contact Rachel Kennedy ([email protected]) for information on the Life Sciences Working Group and Lewis Stewart ([email protected]) for information on the Social Care Working Group.
In parallel, the team has been actively shaping national policy discussions on behalf of members. We recently submitted evidence to the Life Sciences Investment Inquiry, which has received strong engagement from across the ecosystem, and responded to the NHS workforce consultation to highlight the role of technology in supporting productivity and retention.
Events and insights recap
Event round-up: NHS product and platforms industry day 2025
Brought together NHS leaders and industry stakeholders to outline how the Product & Platforms workstream will deliver a more patient-centred, digitally enabled experience via flagship priorities such as the NHS App “Managing My Health”, AI-assisted unified access models, and improvements to planned care and patient record interoperability.
Digital health and care in Wales: Building a world-class digital health system for the future
Outlined Wales’s strategic vision for digitally integrated care, showcasing how digital investments and cross-sector collaboration aim to deliver a sustainable, future-ready health and care system across the nation.
Event round-up: MHRA Compliance Strategy Roundtable
Convened regulators, industry and policy experts to discuss how compliance frameworks for medical devices and digital health products must evolve to support safety, innovation, and market readiness in the UK health sector.
Health and Care Policy Review Q3 2025
Summary of key developments in health and care policy over the quarter, highlighting government consultations, regulatory updates and emerging trends that will shape strategic planning and industry engagement.
Highlighted how Scotland’s Innovation Centre is accelerating digital health transformation through pilot programmes, collaborative partnerships and scalable solutions to improve patient care and system efficiency.
techUK’s response to the 10-Year Workforce Plan call for evidence
Set out how digital health solutions and innovative suppliers can support long-term workforce sustainability, calling for robust investment in technology-enabled training, staff retention measures and workforce planning in the NHS and care sectors
Robert Walker
Robert Walker
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]
Rachel Kennedy
Rachel Kennedy
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.
Lewis Stewart
Lewis Stewart
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]
Viola Pastorino
Viola Pastorino
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.
Fran Richiusa
Fran Richiusa
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/
