Frequently recognised as the country’s leading smart city, Sunderland – and its local authority – has already achieved a lot, and has even bigger ambitions for the years to come. This session will explore the city’s delivery of new infrastructure and services powered by connected technologies, as well as the importance of putting citizens and inclusion at the heart of transformation.

While next-generation computing infrastructure and sophisticated automation tools may get more attention, the most powerful system at the public sector’s disposal is its data. The information possessed by local and central government and the NHS has the potential to support better policymaking, more efficient operations, and improved services. This panel discussion will explore how can public bodies can make sure they have the right platforms, processes – and people – in order to do so.

Ministers have made no secret of its enthusiasm for AI. But, in government and beyond, there are still plenty who have concerns about the ethical, legal, and operational implications. This session will use a polling system to take the temperature among attendees, before inviting expert stakeholders to put forward their case and take questions – and then revisiting the issue to see if the dial has moved for our audience.

The public sector is often criticised for its track record on major technology programmes. Perhaps some high-profile failures could have been avoided if those working on such projects were better empowered to point out missteps along the way. The best and most successful digital teams need more than an environment of psychological safety in which to innovate. They need an environment in which colleagues are able to question and criticise without retribution. But how can this be achieved?

For public sector organisations, building an effective tech team means not just ensuring they have the skills needed for today – but also those for tomorrow. This session will examine how best to keep on top of the ever-changing demands of the digital world.

For transformed services to deliver improvements that can be felt by citizens, frontline experts in health and social care, education, environmental services and beyond need to embrace technology – and develop the know-how needed to use it.

In this session, quickfire presentations will offer insights into differing challenges. Speakers will examine the skills that digital advocates need to ensure are embedded in policymaking, service delivery – and in society.