Post Event Overview: Harnessing Data to Improve Local Public Services
Whether you're enhancing digital transformation, reducing operational inefficiencies, or strengthening community outcomes, this webinar will provided actionable steps to support the effective use of address data and the UPRN.
techUK, in collaboration with Socitm, the LGA and techUK member, GeoPlace delivered a webinar focusing on how to harness data to improve Local Public Services and the recently published, set of policy principles to support the effective use of address data into local authority software systems and beyond.
Speakers:
Sam Smith, Director of Institute, Socitm
Mark Williams, Senior Data Adviser, Local Government Association
Hannah Brooks, Local Authority Liaison Manager, GeoPlace
Luke Studden, Data Integration Manager, GeoPlace
You can read a few highlights from the webinar discussion or watch the full recording below.
Sam Smith, Soctim, discussed the significance of data standards in modernising local public services. She highlighted the need for:
Collaboration, sharing, and reuse of assets within the public sector, redesigning services to simplify, standardise, and automate processes, and innovating to empower citizens and communities
Shared insights from past research and emphasised the importance of resilient communities and places
Presented case studies from Litchfield District Council and Luton Borough Council, demonstrating how data can inform policy and improve service delivery
In Socitm’s recent report on public sector digital trends, they emphasise the critical role of data standards in modernising local government services. The report highlights that adopting open standards facilitates seamless data sharing through APIs, streamlining processes, minimising errors and enhancing interoperability. For these benefits to be fully realised, widespread adoption of data standards by both councils and their technology suppliers is essential.
Mark Williams from the LGA discussed the benefits of data standards, including better decision-making, improved data quality, interoperability, collaboration, and transparency. Emphasising the importance of using unique identifiers like UPRNs (Unique Property Reference Number) to link data and generate insights.
Hannah Brooks and Luke Studden, Geoplace, explained the significance of address data and UPRNs in local government. They introduced a document outlining five key policy principles to help local authorities effectively use address data and the UPRN. You can find the policy principles here.
The principles adopt The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) format of defining principles, making it very clear what the rationale and implications are of each one. The document also provides a template for councils to tailor the principles to their own local requirements to further assist in their adoption and inclusion into relevant policies and strategy documents. The principles provide a structured approach to integrating the UPRN into council systems, ensuring accurate, efficient, and consistent.
The call to action
To drive meaningful progress, local government and industry must prioritise data standards to ensure consistency and reliability across systems. Asking the right questions during system procurement is essential for informed decision-making and maximising efficiency. Improving data literacy within organisations will empower teams to use data effectively, fostering innovation and enhancing service delivery. Collaboration is key to unlocking the full potential of data-driven solutions, promoting shared knowledge and best practices. Additionally, utilising the Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) presents a valuable opportunity to improve service delivery, enabling more accurate and efficient operations. By embracing these priorities, we can create a more connected, data-driven future that benefits organisations and the communities they serve.
Get in touch with our Local Public Services Team for any questions or discussion about topics which we could address in upcoming events, and check out our Local Public Services programme hub.
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Our Local Public Services Programme helps techUK members to navigate local government. We champion innovation that can create truly digital local public services helping to create thriving, productive and safer places for all. Visit the programme page here
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Programme Manager – Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Luke Newcombe
Programme Manager – Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Luke joined techUK in September 2025 as a Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions.
Luke works closely with members and stakeholders across industry and government at local, regional and national levels to support collaboration, drive innovation and strengthen tech-enabled public services. His work supports the development of strong local and regional tech economies by helping organisations to engage with public sector challenges, explore emerging technologies and build impactful partnerships.
Prior to joining techUK, Luke worked at Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s export development agency. He began by advising SMEs on export strategy to the UK and later focused on connecting Irish businesses with multinational organisations to foster strategic partnerships, drive international growth and support economic development.
Luke holds an MSc in Political Economy from the University of Amsterdam and a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
Georgina is techUK’s Associate Director for Local Public Services
Georgina works with suppliers that are active or looking to break into the market as well as with local public services to create the conditions for meaningful transformation. techUK regularly bring together local public services and supplier community to horizon scan and explore how the technologies of today and tomorrow can help solve some of the most pressing problems our communities face and improve outcomes for our people and places.
Prior to techUK, Georgina worked for a public policy events company where she managed the policy briefing division and was responsible for generating new ideas for events that would add value to the public sector. Georgina worked across a number of portfolios from education, criminal justice, and health but had a particular interest in public sector transformation and technology. Georgina also led on developing relationships across central and local government.
If you’d like to learn more about techUK, or want to get involved, get in touch.
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.
