A techUK industry briefing delivered in partnership with iStandUK
Join us for an exclusive industry briefing on SAVVI and Open Referral UK (ORUK) — two key data standards shaping how information is structured, shared, and scaled across the local public sector. With increasing emphasis on interoperability, transparency, and better service delivery, these government-endorsed standards present significant opportunities for technology providers, platform developers, and data specialists working with the public sector.
This session will provide a practical overview of where we are now and where we’re heading, alongside perspectives from government and industry leaders.
In this session, you will:
- Hear the latest on the stewardship of ORUK by iStandUK and what it means for the ecosystem
- Gain a clear understanding of SAVVI and ORUK standards, including roadmap and future plans
- Learn how we are actively engaging with the tech sector to support adoption and innovation
- Hear directly from government stakeholders on why these standards have been formally endorsed
- Discover insights from industry peers on the value of engaging and opportunities for collaboration
This briefing is designed specifically for the tech industry - whether you build platforms, provide services to local authorities, or are exploring how standards can unlock new opportunities in public sector delivery.
Speakers:
- Paul Davidson, Director of Standards, iStandUK (Product Owner for SAVVI and ORUK)
- Shelley Heckman, Partnership Director, iNetwork & iStandUK (Programme Manager for SAVVI and ORUK)
- Sheldon Ferguson, Policy Lead, Local Digital, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)
If you are not a techUK member but would like to attend please email: [email protected]
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]
techUK - Transforming Public Services
techUK members are transforming public services in the UK. Our community help to shape a smarter, digitally empowered public sector.
techUK drives public sector digital transformation by uniting the public sector and tech industry. Through early market engagement, efficient procurement, and innovative technology adoption, we help to modernise legacy IT, and enable efficient, secure, and personalised services.
Get involved: We run a busy calendar of activity including events, reports, and insights that demonstrate some of the most significant digital transformation opportunities for the sector. Our Transforming Public Services Hub is where you will find details of all upcoming activities. We also send a monthly public services newsletter to which you can subscribe here.
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