Technology and the public sector: delivering compassion and social impact

The last 18 months have shown us the impact digital technologies have on our lives, with the public and third sector using technologies in new ways to meet the needs of citizens and communities. As we look to the post-pandemic recovery, the government has put the delivery of social value as a key responsibility of those working with the public sector, with technology playing a critical role.

In this session, we’ll explore how technology and social impact are inextricably linked in the context of the public sector and how the technology community’s work can - and should - make a meaningful social impact.

Featuring insights from NHS Digital on the immense value of technology in managing the Covid 19 pandemic, and representatives from GDS that have used technology to improve the way services are delivered to citizens this is an opportunity to spotlight the way technology can make a real difference to the lives of citizens.

This is a small and intimate event for those in leadership positions across the public and private sector with an interest in using technology to do good. It’s a chance to have a frank conversation about the challenges that pose a risk to success, but also to look optimistically to a future where people’s needs are better met. There will be an opportunity to network after the initial panel discussion.

Agenda

16:00 - 16:10: Welcome & introduction - Chris Gray

16:10 -16:20: NHS Digital and our journey through COVID-19 - Sally Bogg

16:20 - 16:30: Digital on the Frontline – growing our own in a pandemic - Yasmin Ahkter

16:30 -16:40 - Social impact and working with government - Linda Humphries

16:40 - 17:30: Panel discussion & questions - Chris Gray

17:30 - Onwards: networking & refreshments optional

Speakers

Chris Gray

Chief For Public Sector - AND Digital

Chris is responsible for driving AND’s work with Public Sector clients as part of the business’ overall growth strategy. Throughout his career Chris has worked at the intersection of public service and technology, helping clients drive digitalisation, innovation, and change. An advocate for Responsible Business Chris is Chair of Business In The Community's Regional Leadership Board.

Sally Bogg
Head of Live Services (Service Management) - NHS Digital

Sally has a keen interest in service management, customer service, education technology, and health technology. Sally has over 15 years experience in delivering and developing high quality, sector leading user support services and creating highly respected, award winning teams. She is passionate about the empowerment and enhancement of Women in Tech. Sally is the winner of the Women in Tech Business Role Model of the Year 2018, Everywoman Team Leader of the Year 2019, and was named as one of Leeds’ most top 20 most inspirational women in tech 2021.

Yasmin Ahkter
Head of Early Talent - NHS Digital

Yasmin Ahkter has worked for a variety of Northern businesses such as Jet2.com and tech unicorn Sky Betting and Gaming. More recently, landing Channel 4 with Accenture in Leeds as Head of Talent and Employee Proposition. As Head of Early Talent at NHS Digital in Leeds, she's responsible for delivering the early talent strategy ensuring that their programmes are equipped to create the leaders of the future. Yasmin has also been named on the Northern Power Women Future List for her contribution to diversity in the North, is the youngest member on the Board for Maggie’s Centre’s Yorkshire and leads Fundraising and Event’s for Women’s Equality in Leeds as well as a host of “Taking Time in Tech” with Transition Partners. She is also passionate about driving the Northern Diversity agenda and the retention of talent in the North of England.

Linda Humphries

Founder of Paper Frogs

Linda is a digital specialist and founder of Paper Frogs, where she works to unlock opportunities that encourage innovation whilst benefiting society. Her passion for openness and collaborative working has continued since her time as a Senior Technology Adviser to the UK Government's Chief Technology Officer in the Government Digital Service. She led the development of the Open Standards Principles, first published in 2012 to worldwide acclaim, putting people's needs at the heart of government technology decisions.

Linda is a former chief of staff from Co-op Group where she was head of The Federation - a co-working space for digital and social innovators in the heart of Manchester. She connected ideas, people and organisations, to foster collaboration that helped social enterprises and charities to achieve their impact objectives.

She is also co-chair of the UK Government's Open Standards Board, a non-exec director and board member of Open Data Manchester Community Interest Company, working to create a fairer world built on responsible and intelligent data use. She also chairs the 360Giving data standard committee, supporting effective decision-making in the charitable giving and grant-making sector.

We look forward to seeing you there!