Turning insight into action: the power of public sector data

In today’s fast-moving digital world, data has become one of the most valuable assets in the public sector’s toolkit. From improving frontline services to shaping long-term policy, high-quality data enables government to make smarter decisions, respond faster to public needs, and design services that truly work for citizens. But unlocking its full potential requires more than just technology - it demands collaboration, trust, and transparency

On the second day of Government Transformation Summit (24-25 June, Church House Westminster) the focus shifts to a deep dive into government data. With the potential to transform how decisions are made and services delivered, data is increasingly at the heart of public sector innovation. The Data Stream on Wednesday 25 June brings together leading government figures to tackle the strategic, technical, and cultural questions surrounding how we unlock the true value of data across the UK public sector.

Building the foundations for responsible data sharing

Effective data sharing across departments is a central theme of the day. It's about more than technology - it's about trust, governance, and creating the frameworks to share information securely, ethically, and efficiently. Co-hosted by Nic Granger, Chief Information Officer and Chief Financial Officer at the North Sea Transition Authority, and Siobhan Dennehy, Deputy Director for Digital Competition, Analysis and Smart Data at the Department for Business and Trade, the Data Sharing discussion table will address how breaking down silos can improve public service outcomes while upholding rigorous privacy standards.

Making data work harder - optimisation, quality and visualisation

Before data can be shared or analysed, it must be clean, accurate, and optimised. Sessions on Data Optimisation and data visualisation will explore how the public sector can improve the quality and usability of its data. Shelina Hargrove, Head of Prisons Digital at the Ministry of Justice, will lead the discussion on optimising data for reliability and performance, while Corrine Richardson, Deputy Director and Head of Data Engineering at the Department for Education, will delve into how visualising data can help decision-makers understand and act on key trends faster.

The road to interoperability

As departments strive to become more integrated, the issue of data interoperability is high on the agenda. With Katherine Williamson, Chief Data Officer at the Department for Transport, and Ruth Studley, Transformation Director at the Office for National Statistics, co-leading this discussion, attendees will explore how readable, accessible and standardised data can bridge technical divides between departments and enable more cohesive policy-making.

Turning data into better decisions

The public sector's ambition to become more responsive and predictive is underpinned by sessions on Better Decision-Making, Predictive Analytics, and Geospatial Data. These discussions will highlight how data-driven approaches are helping government respond to evolving needs with greater agility, whether through forecasting demand, targeting resources, or enhancing emergency response. 

Ivana Gordon, Deputy Director at the Government Grants Management Function in the Cabinet Office, will help explore how analytics is being embedded into policy-making at scale, while Simon Navin from Ordnance Survey and Patrick Rickles from the North Sea Transition Authority will guide conversations around using location data to improve planning and service delivery.

Embedding a data-first culture

No transformation is complete without culture change. Sessions on Data Culture and Cross-Government Insights will examine how to foster a mindset that treats data as a strategic asset. Martin Waudby, Chief Data Officer at the London Borough of Camden, and Jen Bruce, Head of Data Strategy and Governance at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, will offer insights into how to create an environment where data-driven decisions are the norm, not the exception.

We’ll also be exploring Data Automation and how it can dramatically improve service delivery, reduce errors and free up staff to focus on higher-value work. Led by Praveen Tomar, Head of Data Automation at Ofgem, this discussion table will provide practical insights into how automation can enhance accuracy and accelerate outcomes.

From strategic frameworks and cultural shifts to the latest in predictive analytics and automation, the data stream at Government Transformation Summit highlights how the UK public sector is redefining its relationship with data. It’s a vital series of conversations for anyone working to make government smarter, faster, and more citizen-focused.

Join us on 24-25 June to be part of this data-driven journey - register now to secure your place.