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 - 8:45 am

Main Room

Registration
8:45 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Kevin Keith

Chair
UK Open Government Network

Welcome to the Central Gov Partnership Network
9:00 am - 9:40 am

Main Room

Panel discussion – The blueprint effect: are we building what was promised?
Yorath Turner

Chief Operating Officer - Digital
Scottish Government

Karen Croxson

Chief Data & Technology Insights Officer, Data, Technology and Analytics Unit
Competition and Markets Authority
In January 2025, the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) launched the Blueprint for a Modern Digital Government, setting a new strategic direction for digital transformation across the UK public sector. Building on the previous roadma...

In January 2025, the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) launched the Blueprint for a Modern Digital Government, setting a new strategic direction for digital transformation across the UK public sector. Building on the previous roadmap, this refreshed framework outlines expectations around leadership, data, platforms, legacy systems, and citizen-centred design — calling for a whole-of-government approach to transformation.

In this opening panel, we bring together senior leaders to explore how departments are responding to the Blueprint’s call to action. What progress has been made so far? What’s holding us back? And what kind of leadership will be required to overcome cross-government barriers and embed long-term change?

How departments are aligning their digital strategies with the Blueprint’s pillars.

Key enablers and blockers to delivering on the Blueprint’s ambitions.

The role of leadership in building capability, setting priorities, and driving momentum.

Reflections on what ‘good’ looks like — and how to measure success in 2025 and beyond.

This session sets the stage for CGPN 2025 — taking stock of where we are, and where we go next.
9:45 am - 10:05 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
10:10 am - 10:40 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.
10:45 am - 12:00 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.
12:05 pm - 12:45 pm

Main Room

Quick fire case study session – Bits, bots and breakthroughs: the reality of AI in government
Liam Wilkinson

Head of AI Incubation, Incubator for Artificial Intelligence
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Claire Harrison

Chief Digital and Technology Officer
MHRA
As departments look to operationalise AI, the spotlight is shifting from potential to practical. But how is AI really being used across central government? What foundations are needed to scale safely and effectively? And where do the rea...

As departments look to operationalise AI, the spotlight is shifting from potential to practical. But how is AI really being used across central government? What foundations are needed to scale safely and effectively? And where do the real barriers—and breakthroughs—lie?

In this dynamic session, senior leaders share short, sharp case studies that reveal how AI is already transforming services, enabling smarter decision-making, and reshaping the way departments work. Through real-world examples, we explore:

Is there enough transparency around the expectations and measurement of AI/tech and how might this policy evolve?

Deploying AI to streamline operations, forecast need, and personalise citizen services.

Overcoming legacy infrastructure to build secure, data-rich platforms for innovation.

Embedding AI with clear governance, ethical design, and workforce readiness from the outset.

Each case will offer insights into the practical realities of implementation—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what’s next on the journey from aspiration to adoption.
12:45 pm - 1:05 pm

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
1:10 pm - 1:30 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
1:30 pm - 2:15 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.
2:20 pm - 3:00 pm

Main Room

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

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.
3:05 pm - 3:25 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
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 - 5:30 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote panel – Ctrl+Alt+Deliver: redesigning government on the ground

Philip Orumwense CBE

Commercial Director and Chief Technology Officer
Crown Commercial Service

Neil Gage

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

Heather Cover Kus

Head of Programmes: Central Government
Tech UK

Strategy is one thing—delivery is another. This closing panel brings together senior leaders from across central government who are in the thick of implementing major change. From digital infrastructure overhauls to cross-departmental ...

Strategy is one thing—delivery is another. This closing panel brings together senior leaders from across central government who are in the thick of implementing major change. From digital infrastructure overhauls to cross-departmental reform programmes, we’ll hear what’s worked, what’s failed, and what lessons they’re taking forward.

Expect a candid, practical conversation that goes beyond theory to focus on the human, technical, and organisational realities of transformation. What does it really take to embed lasting change in complex systems? What needs to shift—across leadership, capabilities, governance or mindset—for us to accelerate impact?

Join us for a grounded but energising end to Day 1 that connects the ambition of transformation with the hard-earned insights of those delivering it.
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

15 October 2025

8:45 am - 8:50 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Welcome to Day 2 Central Gov Partnership Network
8:50 am - 9:45 am

Main Room

Panel discussion – It takes a department: leading transformation beyond the digital team
Paul Turner

Head of Change Delivery
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Tina Churcher

Chief Delivery Officer (Digital and Data)
DVSA
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.
9:30 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
9:55 am - 10:15 am

Main Room

Procurement reimagined: what the new act enables

The Procurement Act represents a landmark shift in how public services are commissioned. This session explores the policy intentions behind the reforms, what they enable across central government, and how departments can embed the new pr...

The Procurement Act represents a landmark shift in how public services are commissioned. This session explores the policy intentions behind the reforms, what they enable across central government, and how departments can embed the new principles to drive value, transparency, and social impact.
10:20 am - 10:40 am

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
10:45 am - 11:45 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.
11:50 am - 12:30 pm

Main Room

Panel discussion – The data dilemma: trust, access & architecture
Matthew Lyon

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

Ollie Whitehouse

Chief Technology Officer
National Cyber Security Centre

Senior Rep

Met Office
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?

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.
12:35 pm - 12:55 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote address – Reimagining the centre: enabler or gatekeeper?

As departments embrace transformation, what role should the centre of government play? This closing keynote reflects on how central leadership can best support delivery, innovation, and long-term reform.
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 - 10:15 am

Breakout Room 1

Inclusive by default: rethinking digital design

Digital inclusion isn’t just about compliance — it’s about culture. This session explores how departments are embedding accessibility from the start, designing services that work for all users regardless of ability, circumstance or...

Digital inclusion isn’t just about compliance — it’s about culture. This session explores how departments are embedding accessibility from the start, designing services that work for all users regardless of ability, circumstance or confidence with technology. From user research to procurement, we’ll explore how inclusive thinking drives better outcomes across the board.
9:55 am - 10:15 am

Breakout Room 2

Outside-in: lessons from the private sector

What can government learn from complex organisations navigating digital transformation with legacy systems? This session shares reflections from a senior private sector leader who has delivered large-scale change in a highly regulated, r...

What can government learn from complex organisations navigating digital transformation with legacy systems? This session shares reflections from a senior private sector leader who has delivered large-scale change in a highly regulated, resource-constrained environment. From infrastructure to culture, hear practical insights on overcoming barriers and building momentum.

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 - 8:45 am

Main Room

Registration

8:45 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Kevin Keith

Chair UK Open Government Network

9:00 am - 9:40 am

Main Room

Panel discussion – The blueprint effect: are we building what was promised?

Yorath Turner

Chief Operating Officer - Digital Scottish Government

Karen Croxson

Chief Data & Technology Insights Officer, Data, Technology and Analytics Unit Competition and Markets Authority

9:45 am - 10:05 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

10:10 am - 10:40 am

Main Room

Dragon's den speed presentations

10:45 am - 12:00 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

12:05 pm - 12:45 pm

Main Room

Quick fire case study session – Bits, bots and breakthroughs: the reality of AI in government

Liam Wilkinson

Head of AI Incubation, Incubator for Artificial Intelligence Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Claire Harrison

Chief Digital and Technology Officer MHRA

12:45 pm - 1:05 pm

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

1:10 pm - 1:30 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

1:30 pm - 2:15 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

2:20 pm - 3:00 pm

Main Room

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

3:05 pm - 3:25 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

3:30 pm - 4:45 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

4:50 pm - 5:30 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote panel – Ctrl+Alt+Deliver: redesigning government on the ground

Philip Orumwense CBE

Commercial Director and Chief Technology Officer Crown Commercial Service

Neil Gage

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

Heather Cover Kus

Head of Programmes: Central Government Tech UK

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

15 October 2025

8:45 am - 8:50 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

8:50 am - 9:45 am

Main Room

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

Paul Turner

Head of Change Delivery Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Tina Churcher

Chief Delivery Officer (Digital and Data) DVSA

9:30 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Chair
UK Open Government Network

Chief Operating Officer - Digital
Scottish Government

Chief Data & Technology Insights Officer, Data, Technology and Analytics Unit
Competition and Markets Authority

Head of AI Incubation, Incubator for Artificial Intelligence
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Chief Digital and Technology Officer
MHRA

Commercial Director and Chief Technology Officer
Crown Commercial Service

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

Head of Programmes: Central Government
Tech UK

Head of Change Delivery
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Chief Delivery Officer (Digital and Data)
DVSA

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

Chief Technology Officer
National Cyber Security Centre