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

The president’s team work closely with our executive management, to help shape our vision and agree strategic direction.

Made up from senior public sector appointments, the group is an influential collective that helps the continued development of a vibrant society for all members.

The President’s team form the core part of our board of trustees.

A new Vice President is appointed annually at our President’s Conference, where the inauguration of our new president also happens.

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.

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.

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.

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

Carol Williams
President

Carol Williams

Director of transformation and digital, Walsall Council
Mark Lumley
Immediate past president

Mark Lumley

Director of ICT & digital, London Borough of Hounslow
Yogita Popat
Vice-President

Yogita Popat

Director of Culture and Sustainability, London Borough of Barnet
Kurt Frary
Vice-President

Kurt Frary

Head of IT / Chief technical officer (CTO), Norfolk County Council
Kevin Taylor
Vice-President

Kevin Taylor

Senior IT Manager, Suffolk County Council

The inauguration of our new president

An exciting moment during President’s Conference is when we proudly inaugurate our new president. This annual event marks the beginning of a dynamic new chapter for Socitm.

This official handover takes place during our AGM, and is a real highlight for our community as we hear our President spell out their aims and ambitions for the next 12 months.

It’s also a chance to celebrate the incredible achievements and commitment of our members and the President’s team during the previous 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 2025 president’s team will open later this year.

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. Huw McKee | 2022
  2. Sam Smith | 2020, 2021
  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. Glyn Evans | 2011
  10. Jos Creese | 2010
  11. Steve Palmer | 2009
  12. Richard Steel | 2008
  13. Rose Crozier | 2007
  14. Peter Ryder | 2006
  15. Angela Waite | 2005
  16. Chris Guest | 2004
  17. Fahri Zihni | 2003
  18. Jim Haslem | 2002
  19. Robin Carsberg | 2001
  20. Martin Ferguson | 2000
  21. Bob Dunn | 1999
  22. Paul Offen | 1998
  23. Mark Wheatley | 1997
  24. Len Graves | 1996
  25. David Houston | 1995
  26. Roger Marshall | 1993, 1994
  27. Kate Mountain | 1991, 1992
  28. Rob Briggs | 1989, 1990
  29. John Serle | 1987, 1988
  30. Mike Barkway | 1986