Post Event Overview: Harnessing Data to Improve Local Public Services
Whether you're enhancing digital transformation, reducing operational inefficiencies, or strengthening community outcomes, this webinar will provided actionable steps to support the effective use of address data and the UPRN.
techUK, in collaboration with Socitm, the LGA and techUK member, GeoPlace delivered a webinar focusing on how to harness data to improve Local Public Services and the recently published, set of policy principles to support the effective use of address data into local authority software systems and beyond.
Speakers:
Sam Smith, Director of Institute, Socitm
Mark Williams, Senior Data Adviser, Local Government Association
Hannah Brooks, Local Authority Liaison Manager, GeoPlace
Luke Studden, Data Integration Manager, GeoPlace
You can read a few highlights from the webinar discussion or watch the full recording below.
Sam Smith, Soctim, discussed the significance of data standards in modernising local public services. She highlighted the need for:
Collaboration, sharing, and reuse of assets within the public sector, redesigning services to simplify, standardise, and automate processes, and innovating to empower citizens and communities
Shared insights from past research and emphasised the importance of resilient communities and places
Presented case studies from Litchfield District Council and Luton Borough Council, demonstrating how data can inform policy and improve service delivery
In Socitm’s recent report on public sector digital trends, they emphasise the critical role of data standards in modernising local government services. The report highlights that adopting open standards facilitates seamless data sharing through APIs, streamlining processes, minimising errors and enhancing interoperability. For these benefits to be fully realised, widespread adoption of data standards by both councils and their technology suppliers is essential.
Mark Williams from the LGA discussed the benefits of data standards, including better decision-making, improved data quality, interoperability, collaboration, and transparency. Emphasising the importance of using unique identifiers like UPRNs (Unique Property Reference Number) to link data and generate insights.
Hannah Brooks and Luke Studden, Geoplace, explained the significance of address data and UPRNs in local government. They introduced a document outlining five key policy principles to help local authorities effectively use address data and the UPRN. You can find the policy principles here.
The principles adopt The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) format of defining principles, making it very clear what the rationale and implications are of each one. The document also provides a template for councils to tailor the principles to their own local requirements to further assist in their adoption and inclusion into relevant policies and strategy documents. The principles provide a structured approach to integrating the UPRN into council systems, ensuring accurate, efficient, and consistent.
The call to action
To drive meaningful progress, local government and industry must prioritise data standards to ensure consistency and reliability across systems. Asking the right questions during system procurement is essential for informed decision-making and maximising efficiency. Improving data literacy within organisations will empower teams to use data effectively, fostering innovation and enhancing service delivery. Collaboration is key to unlocking the full potential of data-driven solutions, promoting shared knowledge and best practices. Additionally, utilising the Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) presents a valuable opportunity to improve service delivery, enabling more accurate and efficient operations. By embracing these priorities, we can create a more connected, data-driven future that benefits organisations and the communities they serve.
Get in touch with our Local Public Services Team for any questions or discussion about topics which we could address in upcoming events, and check out our Local Public Services programme hub.
Local Public Services Programme activities
Our Local Public Services Programme helps techUK members to navigate local government. We champion innovation that can create truly digital local public services helping to create thriving, productive and safer places for all. Visit the programme page here
Local Public Services Innovation Summit 2025
Attend techUK’s annual Local Public Services Innovation Summit where we will convene local authorities with tech industry to showcase good practise and facilitate greater collaboration between councils and industry.
Call for submissions: Get involved in techUK’s Local Public Services Innovation Awareness Day 2025
techUK members and local government stakeholders are invited to contribute to techUK’s Local Public Services Innovation Awareness Day with key initiatives, on 21 May.
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Alison Young is the Associate Director Local Public Services.
Alison has background in International Trade & Investment, with experience in the public, private and third sector, advising on international trade, new markets, inward investment and working closely with UK cities and regions around investment into innovation and partnerships and technology. Prior to joining techUK, she has her own consulting business and was Head of Global Investment with the Connected Places Catapult. This role had a focus on FDI around the built environment and mobility, working across NetZero mobility projects in the UK and globally. She worked closely with the Innovation Districts Group, to foster and network of knowledge sharing and helped set up the Freeport Innovation Network, to foster innovation in the context of freeports with a focus on investment.
She spent six years living and working in the Middle East, with the Department for Business and Trade. Based first in Oman, leading on a number of sectors, from Education to Infrastructure, then based in the UAE, setting up the Technology and Smart Cities sector, with a core focus on AI and Fintech.
She is passionate about economic growth for the UK, to create jobs and opportunities; the green agenda and the decarbonisation of transport. She has a degree in Russian Studies MA, from the University of Edinburgh and is currently learning Arabic.
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
Georgina is techUK’s Associate Director for Local Public Services
Georgina works with suppliers that are active or looking to break into the market as well as with local public services to create the conditions for meaningful transformation. techUK regularly bring together local public services and supplier community to horizon scan and explore how the technologies of today and tomorrow can help solve some of the most pressing problems our communities face and improve outcomes for our people and places.
Prior to techUK, Georgina worked for a public policy events company where she managed the policy briefing division and was responsible for generating new ideas for events that would add value to the public sector. Georgina worked across a number of portfolios from education, criminal justice, and health but had a particular interest in public sector transformation and technology. Georgina also led on developing relationships across central and local government.
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