13 October 2020
An advisory panel has been appointed to support the initial phases of the Centre for Digital Public Services.
An eleven-person advisory panel has been put in place to help steer the direction of the Centre for Digital Public Services (CDPS).
The panel will work with the Chair of the Centre, Sally Meecham, to support and challenge CDPS to ensure that user needs remain at the forefront of strategy and delivery. Selected to share their experience and knowledge, the panel will be a supportive public voice on government transformation, raising awareness of progress and issues.
CDPS Chair Sally Meecham said ‘This was about finding people with a passion for public service and the opportunities that digital can bring to public service delivery in Wales. We wanted to create a panel with diverse experiences, education and outlooks and I’m delighted with the response and the brilliant range of panel members that are joining us.'
The Centre will keep membership of the panel under review to ensure it reflects the experience and background needed to steer the work as it progresses.
The Centre was created in June 2020 to ensure the Welsh public sector has the skills, knowledge and capabilities to deliver digitally transformed services that meet the needs and expectations of the user. It will attract new opportunities and investment to Wales by showcasing the joined-up, multi-organisational and digitally capable approach of our public service in Wales.
CDPS advisory panel members
As a specialist in learning technology and digital practice, Esther has been closely involved with the digital literacy movement and the development of the national digital delivery strategy for the post 16 education sectors in Wales. She delivers consultancy and inspirational workshops covering many digital themes including leadership, employability, blended and hybrid learning and assessment, and staff capability. Her PhD explores online language and education.
Eddie is Director of the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI), which helps boroughs work together, bringing the best of digital, data and innovation to improve public services for Londoners. He is also a member of the Smart London Board, a group that advises the Mayor of London. In 2018 and 2019 he was on Apolitical list of the World’s 100 Most Influential People in Digital Government.
Ross Ferguson is the Product Lead for GDS Expert Services and is currently working with the Border Protocol Delivery Group as Deputy Director of Product Delivery. He was previously involved in establishing the Canadian Digital Service as its Director of Platform and has served as Head of the Product Management community for the UK Government.
Sabrina is Chartered Psychologist whose current role is as Wellbeing Lead at Essex County Council, with a focus of driving their workforce wellbeing agenda. Sabrina is passionate about using psychological approaches to develop sustainable, innovative and user-led services. Sabrina has a personal interest in digital transformation work and the role that wellbeing and behaviour change can play within this.
Alun is Customer Strategy and Engagement Director at Dwr Cymru Welsh Water having initially joined the company as Director of Communications in 2012. Alun has previously led communications teams at BBC Cymru Wales, Plaid Cymru and Transport for London. Originally from Rhymney, he studied at Aberystwyth University, now lives in Cardiff and is a fluent Welsh speaker.
Anne is co-founder of Barod Community Interest Company and is currently completing a doctorate in Bangor Business School. She is passionate about public life being as accessible as possible by design, rather than as an afterthought. Her trademark is helping different communities and social groups to communicate and work together to achieve this.
Dafydd is a digital technology specialist with extensive experience helping governments and companies adapt to the internet era. He was a co-founder of the UK Government Digital Service and has supported the creation of digital services units around the world. He’s helped organisations manage the growing problem of unsustainable and complex legacy technology and understand how to build strong digital teams.
Andy is a former Chief Superintendent with Gwent Police who has led on many technology solutions to support law enforcement across the UK and Europe. He is passionate about ensuring that true digital success is assessing/capturing the customer/end user experience first and using the technology as the enabler. He is well networked with the emergency service community and has over twenty-five years programme/project management experience. He has led on turnaround, change and joint ventures in both private and public sector and continues to act as a critical friend to senior leaders.
Darius is a British/Indian social designer working with policy and product teams on population level problems in education, employment, social care, and health. He’s co-founder of service design consultancy Create/Change and Colour — an applied AI and data science company.
Karen works as the Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Digital Officer at Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council where she leads the Council’s work to harness the potential of data and technology to deliver the Council’s ambition to improve the wellbeing of all its residents. Holding masters degrees in Business Administration and Human Resources Management, Karen is passionate about tackling the digital divide. Addressing digital literacy in the workplace was the focus of her MA in HRM.
Head of Product and Commercial, Digital Directorate at The Scottish Government.