Unpacking the digital future of public services

As the UK public sector continues its journey toward digital maturity, Government Transformation Summit 2025 arrives at a critical moment. Our two-day conference (24-25 June, Church House Westminster) will bring together senior Civil Servants and digital leaders to explore how technology is reshaping public service delivery. 

In this first of a four-part guide, we’re exploring the Digital Transformation stream that kicks off day one of the event. From artificial intelligence to employee experience, the agenda offers a comprehensive exploration of the key issues transforming government - what needs to change, why, and how to do it.

Reimagining public services through technology

Underpinning any major change programme, inevitably there must be a strong focus on transformation strategy. Our senior DDaT panellists and discussion hosts will be asking how digital platforms and infrastructure can drive smarter, more connected government services. Leaders like Dr Kate Marks OBE from the Environment Agency and Aravindhan Rajasekar of Defra are co-hosting this conversation on how technology is not merely a tool - but a catalyst for reimagining the entire delivery model of public services.

Their session sets the tone: this isn’t about digitising the status quo. It’s about shifting how departments think, work, and serve.

From AI potential to real-world implementation

Artificial intelligence continues to emerge as a central theme, approached from both strategic and operational angles. Discussion table sessions on AI use cases and implementing AI go beyond the hype, spotlighting the growing number of departments testing machine learning solutions to improve welfare services, healthcare, and more.

Liam Walsh, Chief Technology Officer at Defra, is leading the charge on implementation. His session will dive into the complexities of embedding AI into legacy systems, navigating ethical concerns, and ensuring compliance with regulation. These aren’t theoretical conversations - AI is already at work in government, and the summit is set to showcase how to do it right.

The rise of future delivery models

Transformation isn’t just about shiny new tools - it’s about rethinking the model itself. A discussion on future delivery models, co-hosted by Tina Churcher, Chief Delivery Officer at DVSA, will explore how collaboration, shared services, and a user-centred approach are becoming foundational to future government operations.

Tim Ketton-Locke of the MoD will contribute his perspective on how digital exploitation is reshaping how services are delivered in defence and beyond.

Interconnected government: Breaking down silos

Modern government can no longer afford to work in silos. This idea permeates several sessions, including those on cross-government functions and data interoperability. Leaders like Alexis Castillo-Soto (Group Deputy Director, Digital Mission and Transformation, DSIT & DESNZ) and Ellie Moir (Deputy Director, HM Treasury) are championing efforts to integrate processes across departments - essential work in building a more agile, cost-effective public sector.

The session on data interoperability highlights the tough technical and cultural challenges in getting departments to share and collaborate. The goal is clear: a government where data flows seamlessly, securely, and usefully.

Rebuilding the workplace for a digital era

Digital transformation doesn’t stop at citizen services. It also touches the day-to-day experience of civil servants. The digital workplace and employee experience sessions underline how departments are evolving internal systems to create more flexible, responsive, and satisfying environments.

With co-hosts like Patrick Rickles from the North Sea Transition Authority and Kate Caulkin from the National Audit Office, these conversations will delve into how the civil service can retain talent, enhance well-being, and unleash innovation - by putting people at the centre of digital change.

Delivering faster, better - and smarter

Accelerating delivery and process improvement are essential parts of the transformation puzzle. These sessions will explore how departments are meeting growing public expectations for faster services without sacrificing quality or oversight.

Senior leaders like Richard Baines (Deputy Director, Digital Delivery at Defra) and Ade Bamigboye, CTO at Kensington and Chelsea Council, will share real-world insights on balancing innovation with operational excellence.

Culture, change, and leadership

Perhaps the most enduring message of the summit is that technology alone doesn’t transform government - people do. That’s the crux of the change management session, where Sarah Ormerod (Programme Director, Home Office) and Madelaine Simpkin (Deputy Director, Corporate Transformation, DWP) will explore how to drive cultural change, empower teams, and ensure that transformation sticks.

Towards a smarter, more responsive public sector

At its core, Government Transformation Summit is about imagining - and building - a government fit for the future. Whether it’s AI, cross-functional agility, or better employee tools, every session contributes to a larger story: how public institutions can become more connected, efficient, and above all, citizen-focused.

With the sessions hosted by senior public sector leaders the event promises not just discussion, but strategic direction. In a landscape where digital change is constant, Government Transformation Summit offers a vital checkpoint - a place to learn, share, and lead transformation at scale.

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