The launch of the new GDS Local unit marks an important moment for collaboration between central and local government. Building on the ambition to improve digital public services for citizens, GDS Local will work with councils to expand access to national platforms, co-develop a long-term vision for local government technology, and unlock the value of shared, anonymised data.
On 13 January 2026, techUK and GDS will host an in-person workshop in London to explore the concept of a shared technical architecture model for local government. This session will give members and suppliers the opportunity to share insights, highlight challenges and contribute to GDS Local’s early thinking on future approaches.
Why attend
- Understand the aims and priorities of the newly launched GDS Local unit
- Explore emerging thinking on shared technical architecture for local government
- Share supplier perspectives to help shape future approaches
- Discuss opportunities for interoperability, data sharing and user-centred design
- Connect with peers working across local public services and digital delivery
Who should attend
This workshop is designed for organisations working across local public services and digital government, including:
- Technology suppliers delivering into local government
- Local authority digital, data and technology leaders
- Specialists in interoperability, platforms, procurement and service design
- Researchers, consultants and practitioners focused on improving local digital delivery
- techUK members interested in shaping future models for local government technology
A full agenda and speaker details will be published shortly.
Do not miss this opportunity to contribute to the early development of GDS Local’s approach and help shape future collaboration between central and local government. Secure your place today to join the discussion and share your expertise.
Georgina Maratheftis
Georgina Maratheftis
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2029
- Twitter:
- @GeorginaMarath
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgina-maratheftis-0a002a102/
Luke Newcombe
Luke Newcombe
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
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/
techUK - Transforming Public Services
techUK members are transforming public services in the UK. Our community help to shape a smarter, digitally empowered public sector.
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