Public Sector Digital Trends 2026 | Article

Introduction

Drawing on experiences from across the UK and our international partner countries, Socitm’s Public Sector Digital Trends analysis is designed to help public sector leaders plan their digital journey, learning from others and applying insights to their own organisation and circumstances.

Authors and contributors: Martin Ferguson, Diana Rebaza, Yasmine Hajji, David Ogden

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With this edition of Digital Trends, Socitm marks 40 years connecting public sector leaders and driving digital innovation. Driven by “lessons you can apply, people you can call and ideas that are already working”, it celebrates a journey from legacy to leadership.

Through our research for this year’s report, we are focused on providing actionable insights for today’s public sector leaders, IT professionals, and policymakers. It weaves together retrospective lessons and forward-looking strategies across five major themes: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, Data, Ways of Working, and Digital Inclusion.

Each themed section examines “then and now”, key milestones over the past four decades and “what’s next”, future opportunities to leap forward, aligned with our anniversary messages of “40 years of people-powered change”.

This edition isn’t a static report; it’s designed as an interactive digital experience. Readers will find practical case studies, member stories, and calls to action embedded throughout, so you can adapt and adopt it for your own organisation.

Readers should not only appreciate how far digital public services have come but also feel inspired and empowered to drive the next era of change.

Below, the summary of each trend presents one historical milestone (“look back”) and one future opportunity (“leap forward”). These snapshots underscore how far we’ve progressed in four decades and where we’re heading next.

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Milestone: In 2016, Enfield Council led the way with “Amelia,” the first AI virtual assistant in UK local government.
    • Opportunity: Scaling AI in public services to enhance staff productivity and generate sector-wide efficiencies.
  • Cyber security
    • Milestone: The creation of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in 2016 significantly bolstered cyber defenses.
    • Opportunity: Embracing zero-trust models and coordinated resilience strategies to safeguard against evolving threats.
  • Data
    • Milestone: The launch of data.gov.uk in 2010 pioneered open data for transparency and innovation.
    • Opportunity: Utilising AI-driven analytics for predictive insights and improved service delivery, underpinned by ethical governance.
  • Ways of working
    • Milestone: The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 spurred widespread adoption of remote working in the public sector.
    • Opportunity: Transitioning to agile, hybrid teams that collaborate across organisations, breaking down traditional silos.
  • Digital inclusion:
    • Milestone: In 2000, the opening of 3,800 UK online centres expanded internet access and digital skills training.
    • Opportunity: Achieving universal digital inclusion through accessible services, connectivity, and continued support for digital skills and assistive technology.

As we reflect on these transformative trends and milestones, it becomes clear that the journey of digital change is not just about adopting new technologies, but about building a resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking culture within public services. This ongoing evolution underscores the importance of staying connected, learning from each other, and embracing change as a catalyst for progress, ensuring that the next phase of digital transformation delivers tangible value for everyone involved.

👉 Read: Our focus for 2026: Five trends summary (members only, login to view)

For this year, we have focused on five trends prioritised by our members, Socitm’s Nations and Regions Forum (NRF), and representatives from our international partners LOLA and MCE. To ensure they accurately reflect the evolving needs of the public sector, we undertook a comprehensive and collaborative process throughout 2025:

  1. President’s Conference survey: In June 2025, we raised a question at the President’s Conference, engaging both our members and international partners to gather initial perspectives on emerging digital trends.
  2. Summer deep-dive survey: Building on these insights, a more detailed survey was distributed over the summer. This allowed us to thoroughly examine the five core trends and collect nuanced feedback from a wider audience.
  3. Socitm NRF feedback: The findings were analysed and shared at September’s Nations & Regions Forum, providing an opportunity to review and discuss the feedback collectively with sector leaders.
  4. International partners’ mini surveys: To ensure a global perspective, we distributed targeted mini surveys to our international partners, LOLA and MCE, seeking their input on each of the identified digital trends.

These combined insights have shaped the direction and content of this year’s Digital Trends collection, ensuring it represents the collective expertise and aspirations of our members and partners. By integrating feedback from diverse voices and regions, we have developed a resource that is both relevant and actionable for the public sector’s ongoing digital transformation.

How to use the collection

We include a specific guide on how to use the Digital Trends 2026 collection, the factors to consider, why it is unique, common mistakes in predictions and why it can be trusted in a local public services context.

Celebrate with us

Finally, celebrate the journey with us. Take pride in the tremendous progress achieved over 40 years of public sector innovation. Many of the conveniences and efficiencies citizens enjoy today were made possible by quiet, persistent work by people like you.

Share our success stories internally to motivate your teams and externally to boost public trust. In closing, the message for 2026 and beyond is clear: “A look back, a leap forward”. We have looked back and learned. Now let’s leap forward – boldly, together, and people first.

The next chapter of digital transformation for public services is ours to write. By acting on the insights in this special edition, we can ensure that the next 40 years achieve even greater impact, with connected communities, empowered staff and technology truly working for everyone. Here’s to turning legacy into leadership and ideas into action!