Turning Devolution into Digital Transformation (a webinar sponsored by Juniper Networks)
11am – 12pm15 September 2025
Online
Online
Empowering Local Government with AI-Driven, Secure Network Infrastructure
As the UK government advances council devolution and the shift toward unitary authorities, local governments are at a pivotal moment. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernise, streamline, and deliver smarter public services but only if the digital foundations are ready.
Join experts from Juniper Networks, techUK, and local government to explore how councils can seize this moment to drive digital transformation. We’ll discuss how intelligent, secure, and scalable networks can unlock collaboration, improve service delivery, and future-proof your organisation.
Speakers
Sherrill Holder
Assistant Director of Digital & ICT, Gloucestershire County Council
Budget constraints and pressure to deliver more with less
Legacy systems and duplicated investments across merging authorities
The need to align IT, procurement, and service strategy often without a clear starting point
Our panel will share practical insights on how an AI-driven network can simplify operations today while enabling smart, scalable growth for tomorrow. You’ll learn how to identify gaps, build a step-by-step roadmap, and modernise your infrastructure to support a connected, data-driven future.
Key Questions We’ll Explore:
What are the biggest digital and operational shifts councils must prepare for in light of devolution?
Is this change being seen as a cost-cutting measure or a real chance to modernise?
How will devolution reshape procurement and IT processes across councils?
What does a digitally prepared council look like under the new structure?
How can intelligent networking and automation help councils deliver more with fewer resources?
Why the tech industry should attend:
This webinar offers valuable insight into the evolving needs of local government as devolution accelerates. It’s a unique opportunity for tech providers to understand where councils are heading, what challenges they face in modernising their infrastructure, and how innovative, AI-driven solutions can support scalable, secure service delivery. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of digital public services.
Why local government should attend:
As councils navigate structural change and increasing service demands, this session provides practical guidance on how to turn devolution into a digital transformation opportunity. Hear from peers and industry experts on building the right infrastructure, overcoming legacy barriers, and creating a clear path toward a smarter, more connected future for your community.
Georgina Maratheftis
Associate Director, Local Public Services, techUK
Georgina Maratheftis
Associate Director, Local Public Services, techUK
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 Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Margot joined techUK in September 2022 as the Head of Events and Sponsorship, running the event programme for our flagship events, such as the techUK Annual Dinner, Defence Ethics Summit, Building the Smarter State etc
Prior to this role, Margot managed events and external affairs for the Centre for Policy Studies, a political think tank in Westminster and also worked at the D Group, a London-based business membership organisation, where she was responsible for the events programme, account management and business strategy.
She holds a BA in Technical Translation in English, French and Spanish from Paris 7 - Denis Diderot and a MA in International Relations from the London Metropolitan University.
Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, going to concerts and snowboarding.
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
Building the Smarter State 2025 10 September
Building the Smarter State is techUK’s flagship public services conference and the go-to event for public sector digital leaders. The annual event welcomes over 200 senior leaders and decisions makers from across the public sector and the technology industry to showcase how technology is shaping today's and tomorrow’s public services.
Join experts from Juniper Networks, techUK, and local government to explore how councils can seize this moment to drive digital transformation. We’ll discuss how intelligent, secure, and scalable networks can unlock collaboration, improve service delivery, and future-proof your organisation.
Regional perspectives on local Net Zero through tech (Birmingham)
Join us in Birmingham for a dynamic and insightful session exploring how climate planning is evolving in devolved regions, with a spotlight on the West Midlands.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Alison Young is the Associate Director Local Public Services.
Alison has background in International Trade & Investment, with experience in the public, private and third sector, advising on international trade, new markets, inward investment and working closely with UK cities and regions around investment into innovation and partnerships and technology. Prior to joining techUK, she has her own consulting business and was Head of Global Investment with the Connected Places Catapult. This role had a focus on FDI around the built environment and mobility, working across NetZero mobility projects in the UK and globally. She worked closely with the Innovation Districts Group, to foster and network of knowledge sharing and helped set up the Freeport Innovation Network, to foster innovation in the context of freeports with a focus on investment.
She spent six years living and working in the Middle East, with the Department for Business and Trade. Based first in Oman, leading on a number of sectors, from Education to Infrastructure, then based in the UAE, setting up the Technology and Smart Cities sector, with a core focus on AI and Fintech.
She is passionate about economic growth for the UK, to create jobs and opportunities; the green agenda and the decarbonisation of transport. She has a degree in Russian Studies MA, from the University of Edinburgh and is currently learning Arabic.
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy Modha
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
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.
Assistant Director of Digital & ICT, Gloucestershire County Council
Assistant Director of Digital & ICT at Gloucestershire County Council, with over two decades of experience in the public sector. Passionate about using technology to make a real difference, ll championing digital transformation that puts people first—whether that’s improving services for residents or empowering teams to work smarter. Known for my collaborative approach and a deep understanding of local government challenges, bringing both strategic insight and a grounded perspective to conversations about the future of public service delivery.
Associate Director | Local Public Services, techUK
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 councils to create the conditions for meaningful transformation. techUK regularly bring together local authorities 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.
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.
Join us to hear The Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, this year’s keynote speaker at Building the Smarter State Conference!
