MSA Community Event

A warm welcome awaits when you sign in for your delegate pass. Start as you mean to go on and get networking, as well as helping yourself to refreshments – including breakfast pastries.

Nick Brailsford will outline the emphasis on working through challenges together, sharing what has already been learned and building on good practice. This first gathering is a starting point, giving us the opportunity to learn what works and evolve the approach together.

Nick Brailsford, Director for Digital, SYMCA

Katharine Hammond sets the context for devolution and what it means for MSAs. Drawing on one another’s experiences, attendees will reflect on the implications for their own organisations, with open, frank and honest table discussions about shared challenges and opportunities to learn from others.

Katharine Hammond, CEO, SYMCA

Phil Swan brings a senior government perspective on what devolution means for MSAs, where decision-making power lies and what is coming down the track. Through questions and discussion, attendees will explore what these developments mean for their organisations and where practical support from GDS is needed. 

Phil Swan, Director for Government Digital Enablement, Government Digital Service (GDS)

Short contributions from MSAs will open discussions about where we are now, the support we need, and what we can offer one another. This is an interactive session, explore shared problems to start working together, build connections, and identify real opportunities to collaborate. 

Connect with colleagues and gather your thoughts from the morning so far over refreshments.

Why start from scratch when we can build on what others have already done? Practical examples will spark discussion about what MSAs can adopt, adapt or develop together. Bring your questions and challenges, explore how these approaches could work in your own organisation, and connect with others interested in taking the next step. 

Data platform

Steven Judd, Nasstar

Nick Brailsford, Director for Digital, SYMCA

AI implementation

Ste Sharples, Liverpool City Region

Mike Waters, Chief Technology & Insight Officer, West Midlands Combined Authority

Cymru SoOC

Ryan James, Chief Information Security Officer, Merthyr Tydfil Council

Jackson Smithies, Account Director, Socura

It’s time to make new connections, say hello to people you’ve not seen for a while, and reflect on the morning over lunch. Keep the conversation going and enjoy further food for thought.

What digital, data and technology capabilities do MSAs need to turn ambition into delivery? Nadira Hussain and Andrew Rogers will open a discussion about the strengths attendees can build on, the gaps they face and where Socitm can support. Together, we’ll explore opportunities to strengthen capability and identify practical priorities to move priorities forwards.   

Nadira Hussain, CEO, Socitm

Andrew Rogers, Innovation & Insights Director, Socitm

Building on the day’s discussions, facilitated working groups will choose shared problems to tackle together and turn ideas into practical commitments. Each group will agree a lead, contributors, a first deliverable and action to take within 90 days – making collaboration something we do, not just talk about. 

We’ll bring together the working groups’ outputs and agree priorities, owners and next steps for the next 90 days. Discussion could draw on opportunities around Liverpool City Region’s AI offer, potential GDS funding for wider collaboration, and Socitm membership and its 2027 forward plan.

Together, we’ll shape the shared ask of government and explore how a charter, clear governance and representation, and a shared repository can support continued collaboration – ending with a practical call to action. 

Connect with colleagues and gather your thoughts from the morning so far over drinks and canapes.