Come to Brighton for President's Conference to be inspired and to see what we can fix

President's Team

Video: A message from our President, Huw McKee

Interested in being a member of the President’s team?

What does it mean to be involved

Being part of this close-knit team with a proud history of more than 30 years, gives you unique opportunities to positively influence the public sector.

As president or vice-president, you will own one of our five policy themes which covers the key areas of interest for our members and wider sector.

Combing your own experience with Socitm’s voice, our president’s team are a trusted voice, building strong relationships with stakeholders in both local and central government together with the private sector.

What will you gain?

The opportunity to develop Socitm to best represent and support the public sector’s vital work.

You can expect to enjoy an increasingly high profile, particularly in your area of specific interest and policy theme.

Together with contributions to Socitm’s physical and virtual events, our President’s team are sought after speakers at the best public and private sector networks throughout the UK and Europe.

You will also gain a wider perspective of work across the sector which can help support and validate recommendations you make for your own and other organisations.

Eligibility

President
Our presidents will normally serve as a vice-president for three years, before taking up the lead role.  They will hold a senior position within the public sector ICT / digital transformation.

Vice-president
A VP is elected to office by their peers. It is expected they will remain in office for three years after which they will become president. They will also hold a senior appointment within the ICT /digital arena.

Commitment

This is more than just a voluntary role. The demand on time is significant, as are the requirements for availability to attend many ‘out of hours’ functions, including nights away from home.

Around 20-40% of the working week on average could be occupied by Socitm priorities.

While there is excellent support network from Socitm marketing and administrative staff, there will be an expectation, certainly from the wider government and ICT / digital community, that VPs and the president, will be knowledgeable across a broad range of strategic issues.

There will also be calls from journalists and frequent invitations to speak events or sit on panels covering a diverse range of topical issues.

Meet our President's Team

Vice-President

Kurt Frary

Deputy director of information management & technology / Chief technical officer (CTO) at Norfolk County Council

Vice-President

Carol Williams

Director of transformation and digital at Walsall Council

Samantha Smith
Immediate past president

Sam Smith

Assistant director of IT & digital services, Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council

Incoming president

During our annual President’s Conference, the inauguration of our incoming president takes place. This marks the official appointment to post for the forthcoming year.  

NOMINATING VICE PRESIDENTS

Know of someone who would make a great VP?

If you know someone who would love to become a part of the Socitm President’s team, nominate them! Please make sure they’re aware of the commitment first. 

Nominations for the 2023 president’s team are now open and a new vice-president will be announced at President’s Conference, 13-14 June 2023.

Hall of honour

Being a Socitm president is a great honour, so it is fitting we pay tribute here to those who have served the role with distinction.

  1. Sam Smith | 2020, 2021
  2. Sandra Taylor | 2019
  3. Nicola Graham | 2018
  4. Geoff Connell | 2016, 2017
  5. Nadira Hussain | 2015
  6. Nick Roberts | 2014
  7. Steve Halliday | 2013
  8. Kay Brown | 2012
  9. Jos Creese | 2010
  10. Steve Palmer | 2009
  11. Richard Steel | 2008
  12. Rose Crozier | 2007
  13. Peter Ryder | 2006
  14. Angela Waite | 2005
  15. Chris Guest | 2004
  16. Fahri Zihni | 2003
  17. Jim Haslem | 2002
  18. Robin Carsberg | 2001
  19. Martin Ferguson | 2000
  20. Bob Dunn | 1999
  21. Paul Offen | 1998
  22. Mark Wheatley | 1997
  23. Len Graves | 1996
  24. David Houston | 1995
  25. Roger Marshall | 1993, 1994
  26. Kate Mountain | 1991, 1992
  27. Rob Briggs | 1989, 1990
  28. John Serle | 1987, 1988
  29. Mike Barkway | 1986