CGPN 2025 AGENDA

Delivering tangible solutions for the public sector

CGPN is a unique, two-day learning and networking event which brings together the most inspirational leaders and transformational suppliers in central government to share cutting-edge insight, knowledge and experience. Our agenda is carefully curated to address the most relevant and emerging challenges in the sector.

14 - 15 October, Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Heathrow

Day 1
Day 2

14 October 2025

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Registration
9:00 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Kevin Keith

Chair
Open Government Network

Welcome to the Central Gov Partnership Network
9:10 am - 9:55 am

Main Room

Panel discussion – Ctrl+Alt+Deliver: from blueprint to reality in digital government
Kevin Keith

Chair
Open Government Network

Yorath Turner

Chief Operating Officer - Digital & Digital Portfolio Director
Scottish Government

Heather Cover Kus

Head of Programmes: Central Government
Tech UK

Victoria joined Defence Digital in May 2023 as an experienced senior leader with a multidisciplinary background and a track record of success.

Victoria is responsible for the £4.7bn digital spend per annum across the Defence Enterprise, including Front Line Commands and the Enabling Organisations, servicing the five domains of air, land, sea, space and cyber.

Prior to joining Defence Digital, Victoria was the Commercial & Category Director for the UK Health Security Agency within the Government Commercial Function, where she established and led the Commercial and Business Development functions.

Victoria has over 15 years of experience in the Aerospace and Defence sector, leading corporate procurement, sales, commercial and finance functions within FTSE100/250 organisations including BAE Systems, QinetiQ, Airbus and Unilever.

Victoria’s achievements were recognised by World Commerce and Contracting in the Inspiring Women list 2023 and The Times & Sunday Times in 2019 as the winner of We Are the City Top 100 Women 2019 – Defence. Victoria was also awarded the Marshall of Cambridge Medal by the Duke of Edinburgh for her contribution to the industry.

Victoria is a chartered Aeronautical Engineer by background and holds an Executive MBA from Henley Business School. Victoria is a Fellow and Global Advisory Board Member of World Commerce & Contracting, a Non-Executive Council Member of The Air League Trust and a Non- Executive Director and Chair of Audit, Risk & Assurance Committee of the Inspiring Leadership Foundation.

Victoria Cope

Chief Procurement Officer and Commercial Director
Ministry of Defence

Claire Harrison

Future DBT Digital Director
Department for Business and Trade
Strategy is nothing without delivery — and delivery without strategy risks going nowhere fast. In January 2025, the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) launched the Blueprint for a Modern Digital Government, setting out a renewed ...

Strategy is nothing without delivery — and delivery without strategy risks going nowhere fast. In January 2025, the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) launched the Blueprint for a Modern Digital Government, setting out a renewed vision for transformation across the public sector. But how are those ambitions playing out on the ground?
In this energising, no-nonsense panel, senior leaders reflect on both the promise and the practice of digital reform. We’ll explore how departments are aligning to the Blueprint, what’s enabling or blocking progress, and what it really takes to embed lasting change across complex systems.

Expect a grounded conversation that connects the dots between policy and implementation — from strategic leadership to legacy tech, culture shifts to delivery muscle.
Topics include:

What the Blueprint means in real-world delivery terms.

How leadership can drive momentum and overcome systemic blockers.

The people, platforms, and policies needed to sustain progress.

Lessons learned — and what success should look like in 2025 and beyond.

This session sets the stage for CGPN 2025 — taking stock of where we are, and where we go next.
10:00 am - 10:20 am

Main Room

Enabling safe and secure AI in the public sector

Andy Baker

Customer Solutions Consultant
Civica

As AI adoption accelerates, public sector organisations face the challenge of driving innovation whilst protecting citizen’s data and maintaining public trust. This session explores how to scale AI responsibly, balancing innovation wit...

As AI adoption accelerates, public sector organisations face the challenge of driving innovation whilst protecting citizen’s data and maintaining public trust. This session explores how to scale AI responsibly, balancing innovation with accountability and robust management processes. We’ll look at the critical role of data quality, governance, and standards in building AI systems that are not only effective, but also transparent, fair, and trusted by the public
10:25 am - 10:55 am

Main Room

Dragon's den speed presentations

Our signature ‘Dragons’ Den’ session provides each solution provider with an opportunity to deliver a short pitch, explaining why they are here and how their services can help tackle some of the sector’s ongoing challenges.
11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
12:20 pm - 12:50 pm

Main Room

Fireside chat – Bits, bots and breakthroughs: a candid conversation on AI in government
Suzannah Brecknell

Co-Editor
Civil Service World

Alexander De Ville

No10 Innovation Fellow and the Deputy Director of AI Opportunity Scan, Incubator for Artificial Intelligence
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Claire Harrison

Future DBT Digital Director
Department for Business and Trade

Sophie England

Strategic Partnerships, Public Policy and Go to Market - AI and Wearables
Meta
As AI moves from hype to hands-on application, what does it really take to embed it into government services and systems? In this fireside chat, we will reflect on the real-world journey of operationalising artificial intelligence – th...

As AI moves from hype to hands-on application, what does it really take to embed it into government services and systems? In this fireside chat, we will reflect on the real-world journey of operationalising artificial intelligence – the breakthroughs, the blockers, and the lessons learned along the way.
Talking points will include:

How departments are actually using AI to improve operations, services and outcomes

Lessons from legacy systems, data constraints and organisational readiness

What responsible, scalable AI looks like in practice – from ethics and governance to team skills and procurement
12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Main Room

Sponsor presentation - DXC

Carl Kinson

UKI & Europe Technology & Innovation CIO
DXC Technology

DXC Technology is a leading global provider of information technology services. We’re a trusted operating partner to many of the world’s most innovative organizations, building solutions that move industries and companies forward. Ou...

DXC Technology is a leading global provider of information technology services. We’re a trusted operating partner to many of the world’s most innovative organizations, building solutions that move industries and companies forward. Our engineering, consulting and technology experts help clients simplify, optimize and modernize their systems and processes, manage their most critical workloads, integrate AI-powered intelligence into their operations, and put security and trust at the forefront.
1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

An opportunity to connect with your peers and suppliers to talk over the learnings from the event. Lunch is served buffet style and a range of options are available to cater for different dietary requirements.
2:05 pm - 2:35 pm

Main Room

Group roundtable discussion – Real problems, real solutions: you set the agenda

Suzannah Brecknell

Co-Editor
Civil Service World

Transformation is never one-size-fits-all. In this interactive session, we hand the mic to you. Upon registration, participants will be invited to submit their biggest transformation challenges—whether it’s culture, systems, data, or...

Transformation is never one-size-fits-all. In this interactive session, we hand the mic to you. Upon registration, participants will be invited to submit their biggest transformation challenges—whether it’s culture, systems, data, or delivery. Our Chair will select the top three most pressing themes, and during this session, delegates will break into groups to crowdsource practical solutions, insights and ideas from peers across departments.

Walk away with fresh thinking, new connections, and tangible actions to take back to your team.
2:40 pm - 3:00 pm

Main Room

The agentic revolution: your future with AI co-workers

Valtech delivers exceptional digital services across the UK Public Sector, helping to make a positive difference to society. We empower digital transformation across government departments, regulators and public institutions alike.
With data and AI at the centre of our approach, we enhance citizen experiences, boost operational efficiency and equip public sector teams with the skills and capabilities they need to succeed.
Trusted by clients like the DfE, Ofsted, BBC, PINS, GDS, DfT, and DWP, we prioritise accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability, creating modern, user-friendly services that deliver real value for citizens.

Karl Hampson

Chief Technology Officer, Data & AI
Valtech

The next platform shift in government is agentic AI—autonomous, expert digital co-workers that can manage information, orchestrate workflows and deliver complex tasks at scale. This keynote will show how leaders can harness the technol...

The next platform shift in government is agentic AI—autonomous, expert digital co-workers that can manage information, orchestrate workflows and deliver complex tasks at scale. This keynote will show how leaders can harness the technology to transform services, strengthen cross-government collaboration and improve efficiency. By reimagining roles, AI frees civil servants to focus on strategy, empathy and problem-solving, while accountable, transparent and ethical systems ensure meaningful human control, supporting the AI Opportunities Action Plan’s vision of a more agile, responsive, citizen-focused government.
3:30 pm - 4:45 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
4:50 pm - 5:10 pm

Main Room

Team first, tech second: how we made data science work at scale
Matthew Lyon

Chief Analyst (Deputy Director of Data Science, Analysis and Economics)
Cabinet Office/DSIT
What does it take to go from a team juggling spreadsheets to one delivering AI-powered insights across government? In this candid and practical session, the GDS Data Science team lifts the lid on how they built a high-performing, high-im...

What does it take to go from a team juggling spreadsheets to one delivering AI-powered insights across government? In this candid and practical session, the GDS Data Science team lifts the lid on how they built a high-performing, high-impact capability from scratch — delivering everything from automated insights to AI-driven tools for HR, policy and operations.
Learn how they tackled data ingestion, infrastructure, capability gaps, and cultural hurdles — and how a relentless focus on user need, agility, and autonomy powered their journey. This is a story of transformation told by those who lived it: the builders, the coders, the doers.
Expect lessons on:

Turning strategy into delivery – fast

Designing tools that actually get used

Fostering a culture of experimentation, learning and trust

Building capability without bureaucracy

Whether you’re scaling a team, modernising your data stack, or just trying to make spreadsheets obsolete – this is the session for you.
5:10 pm - 5:30 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote address – Delivering whole-system transformation in government

Keith Dargie

Chief Digital Information Officer
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Closing transformation gaps is about rethinking how organisations operate. In this closing keynote session, we will reflect on what it really takes to modernise core public services at scale, using technology and data as enablers of wide...

Closing transformation gaps is about rethinking how organisations operate. In this closing keynote session, we will reflect on what it really takes to modernise core public services at scale, using technology and data as enablers of wider organisational change. Taking in automation and AI, workforce planning and estates, the session will highlight how strategic transformation connects systems, shifts mindsets, and builds capability across departments, frontline services, and leadership structures alike.
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Main Room

Hotel check-in/ free time
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Main Room

Drinks reception and networking dinner
3:05 pm - 3:25 pm

Breakout Room 1

Lessons from on the ground: How data sharing unlocks possibilities

Softwire is a UK-based technology transformation partner with 25+ years of experience in the public sector, healthcare, and other highly regulated industries.
We advise on and deliver compliant technology infrastructure, products, and services that enhance the citizen experience—while driving essential cost savings.
Our high-impact solutions have transformed the UK government, NHS, and leading public bodies, working across MHCLG, MoJ, UKEF and DI and consistently passing Government Digital Service (GDS) assessments with flying colours.
From idea to impact to scale, we provide a comprehensive service, combining world-class digital and data engineering, product design, and GenAI to deliver long-term solutions that evolve with citizen needs.

Alice Selway-Clarke

Technical Lead
Softwire

Imagine a world where interacting with government is as seamless as logging into your banking app.
By securely sharing data across departments, we can break down silos, unlock innovation, and deliver truly citizen-centred services....

Imagine a world where interacting with government is as seamless as logging into your banking app.
By securely sharing data across departments, we can break down silos, unlock innovation, and deliver truly citizen-centred services.
With the right safeguards, this shift builds trust, reduces complexity, and creates opportunities that transform public outcomes.
3:05 pm - 3:25 pm

Breakout Room 2

After the AI hype - how do we make AI reality?

Qlik transforms complex data landscapes into actionable insights, driving strategic business outcomes. Serving over 40,000 global customers, our portfolio leverages pervasive data quality and advanced AI/ML capabilities that lead to better decisions, faster. We excel in integration and governance solutions that work with diverse data sources. Our real-time analytics uncover hidden patterns, empowering teams to address complex challenges and seize new opportunities. As strategic partners, our platform-agnostic technology and expertise make our customers more competitive.

Ted Orme

Field CTO Data Integration EMEA
Qlik

As businesses move past the initial AI hype and demand demonstrable value, the focus shifts to creating a robust and trustworthy foundation to power genuine results. This presentation explores how organisations can transition from theore...

As businesses move past the initial AI hype and demand demonstrable value, the focus shifts to creating a robust and trustworthy foundation to power genuine results. This presentation explores how organisations can transition from theoretical hype to tangible AI reality by addressing the core challenges and implementing the essential principles of data trust by building a solid data foundation for your business.

15 October 2025

9:00 am - 9:05 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Kevin Keith

Chair
Open Government Network

Welcome to Day 2 Central Gov Partnership Network
9:05 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Panel discussion – It takes a department: leading transformation beyond the digital team
Kevin Keith

Chair
Open Government Network

Anaïs Reding

Chief Digital Officer
Department for Business and Trade

Paul Turner

Head of Change Delivery
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Neil Gage

Head of Digital Business Partnering and Spend Control, Digital Service
Department for Transport

Gordon Thomson

Head of Service Development
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Digital transformation can’t live in silos. As departments strive to meet ambitious digital and data goals, success hinges not only on digital teams – but on the ability to engage senior leaders across policy, operations, finance, HR...

Digital transformation can’t live in silos. As departments strive to meet ambitious digital and data goals, success hinges not only on digital teams – but on the ability to engage senior leaders across policy, operations, finance, HR and beyond.
This panel explores:

How to bring non-digital senior leaders into the digital mission

What support they need to champion transformation from their position

How to create shared accountability and cross-functional leadership for change

We’ll spotlight what good looks like when digital is embedded across the leadership culture – not just in title, but in mindset, behaviour and delivery.
9:55 am - 10:25 am

Main Room

Legacy modernisation in real life

Bryan Evans

Chief Technology Officer
Insolvency Service

Nathan Voogt

Vice President of Sales
Preservica

From brittle systems to tangled contracts, legacy tech is one of the biggest barriers to progress. This session will focus on practical strategies for unpicking the mess, rebuilding trust, and delivering value through phased, people-cent...

From brittle systems to tangled contracts, legacy tech is one of the biggest barriers to progress. This session will focus on practical strategies for unpicking the mess, rebuilding trust, and delivering value through phased, people-centred modernisation.
10:30 am - 11:30 am

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
11:35 am - 12:20 pm

Main Room

Panel discussion – The data dilemma: trust, access & architecture
Kevin Keith

Chair
Open Government Network

Simon C4

Chief Data Officer
National Cyber Security Centre

Shehroze Junejo

Executive Director and Chief Data Officer
UK Government Investments

Olivia Labonte

Deputy Director – Performance & Assurance
GDS
Departments increasingly rely on data to inform strategy, personalise services, and deploy emerging technologies — but do they have the right infrastructure, safeguards,
and policies in place to use it effectively?

In this...

Departments increasingly rely on data to inform strategy, personalise services, and deploy emerging technologies — but do they have the right infrastructure, safeguards,
and policies in place to use it effectively?

In this closing panel, we explore:

What does “good data” look like across departments — and how do we improve quality and consistency?

Are we building the right architectures to support safe, ethical AI and advanced analytics at scale?

How do trust, transparency and digital identity factor into unlocking the potential of citizen-facing services?

How can departments proactively mitigate cyber risks while scaling digital services and AI-enabled systems?

What are the unseen risks — from fragmented systems to cyber threats — and how can we ensure resilience?

This session pulls together lessons from across the agenda to reflect on the systems, skills and safeguards we need for a data-driven future.
12:25 pm - 12:55 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote address – National renewal: inside and out

Catherine Day

Co-founder, National Strategy Project
Cabinet Office

National renewal depends on more than good strategy – it requires trust, participation, and the courage to reshape systems from within. Drawing on experience in the Cabinet Office, this closing keynote reflects on how transformation ca...

National renewal depends on more than good strategy – it requires trust, participation, and the courage to reshape systems from within. Drawing on experience in the Cabinet Office, this closing keynote reflects on how transformation can succeed in the complex realities of government. How do we align ambition with delivery, foster shared accountability, and build the trust and capability needed for systemic change? We will consider what it takes to make strategy stick – not just through policy, but through a culture of collaboration and renewal.
12:55 pm - 1:00 pm

Main Room

Chair's closing remarks
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch
9:55 am - 10:25 am

Breakout Room 1

Automation that delivers

Keith Dargie

Chief Digital Information Officer
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

This session dives into real-world examples of where automation has delivered real impact – from routine workflows to frontline services – and how to scale without overengineering, overpromising, or overwhelming the user.
9:55 am - 10:25 am

Breakout Room 2

Capability at scale

Richard Brown

Head of Strategic Capability and Services
Network Rail

You cannot scale transformation without scaling people. This session focuses on building digital and data capability across departments, embedding AI literacy, and creating the culture, skills, and leadership needed for transformation to...

You cannot scale transformation without scaling people. This session focuses on building digital and data capability across departments, embedding AI literacy, and creating the culture, skills, and leadership needed for transformation to stick.

Day 1
Day 2

CGPN 2025 AGENDA

Delivering tangible solutions for the public sector

CGPN 2025 AGENDA

14 - 15 October, Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Heathrow

14 October 2025

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Registration

9:00 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Kevin Keith

Chair Open Government Network

9:10 am - 9:55 am

Main Room

Panel discussion – Ctrl+Alt+Deliver: from blueprint to reality in digital government

Kevin Keith

Chair Open Government Network

Yorath Turner

Chief Operating Officer - Digital & Digital Portfolio Director Scottish Government

Heather Cover Kus

Head of Programmes: Central Government Tech UK

Victoria Cope

Chief Procurement Officer and Commercial Director Ministry of Defence

Claire Harrison

Future DBT Digital Director Department for Business and Trade

10:00 am - 10:20 am

Main Room

Enabling safe and secure AI in the public sector

Andy Baker

Customer Solutions Consultant Civica

10:25 am - 10:55 am

Main Room

Dragon's den speed presentations

11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

12:20 pm - 12:50 pm

Main Room

Fireside chat – Bits, bots and breakthroughs: a candid conversation on AI in government

Suzannah Brecknell

Co-Editor Civil Service World

Alexander De Ville

No10 Innovation Fellow and the Deputy Director of AI Opportunity Scan, Incubator for Artificial Intelligence Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Claire Harrison

Future DBT Digital Director Department for Business and Trade

Sophie England

Strategic Partnerships, Public Policy and Go to Market - AI and Wearables Meta

12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Main Room

Sponsor presentation - DXC

Carl Kinson

UKI & Europe Technology & Innovation CIO DXC Technology

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

2:05 pm - 2:35 pm

Main Room

Group roundtable discussion – Real problems, real solutions: you set the agenda

Suzannah Brecknell

Co-Editor Civil Service World

2:40 pm - 3:00 pm

Main Room

The agentic revolution: your future with AI co-workers

Karl Hampson

Chief Technology Officer, Data & AI Valtech

3:30 pm - 4:45 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

4:50 pm - 5:10 pm

Main Room

Team first, tech second: how we made data science work at scale

Matthew Lyon

Chief Analyst (Deputy Director of Data Science, Analysis and Economics) Cabinet Office/DSIT

5:10 pm - 5:30 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote address – Delivering whole-system transformation in government

Keith Dargie

Chief Digital Information Officer Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Main Room

Hotel check-in/ free time

Chair
Open Government Network

Chair
Open Government Network

Chief Operating Officer - Digital & Digital Portfolio Director
Scottish Government

Head of Programmes: Central Government
Tech UK

Chief Procurement Officer and Commercial Director
Ministry of Defence

Future DBT Digital Director
Department for Business and Trade

Customer Solutions Consultant
Civica

Co-Editor
Civil Service World

No10 Innovation Fellow and the Deputy Director of AI Opportunity Scan, Incubator for Artificial Intelligence
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Future DBT Digital Director
Department for Business and Trade

Strategic Partnerships, Public Policy and Go to Market - AI and Wearables
Meta

UKI & Europe Technology & Innovation CIO
DXC Technology

Co-Editor
Civil Service World

Chief Technology Officer, Data & AI
Valtech

Chief Analyst (Deputy Director of Data Science, Analysis and Economics)
Cabinet Office/DSIT

Chief Digital Information Officer
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Technical Lead
Softwire

Field CTO Data Integration EMEA
Qlik

Chair
Open Government Network

Chair
Open Government Network

Chief Digital Officer
Department for Business and Trade

Head of Change Delivery
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Head of Digital Business Partnering and Spend Control, Digital Service
Department for Transport

Head of Service Development
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency

Chief Technology Officer
Insolvency Service

Vice President of Sales
Preservica

Chair
Open Government Network

Chief Data Officer
National Cyber Security Centre

Executive Director and Chief Data Officer
UK Government Investments

Deputy Director – Performance & Assurance
GDS

Co-founder, National Strategy Project
Cabinet Office

Chief Digital Information Officer
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service