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Ex-President Sam Smith to lead Socitm institute

Photo of Sam Smith with the Socitm logo, both against a marble-effect background

Socitm is delighted today (15 May) to announce the appointment of Sam Smith as Director of Institute.

Sam, currently Assistant Director of Customer and Digital Services​ for Cambridgeshire County Council and Assistant Director of Digital and Data Services​ for Peterborough City Council​, will start her new role on Monday, 17 July.

She will be responsible for overseeing the development of institute, known publicly as Socitm Inspire, as well as contributing to the overall strategic direction it plays as part of the society’s membership offer.

Socitm Inspire will officially launch on day one of the organisation’s President’s Conference in Brighton on Tuesday 13 June.

Commenting on her appointment, Sam said:

I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to play another key role in the evolvement of this wonderful organisation. My own development with Socitm has parallels with the journey we are on as a society through the institute. I am proud to take this leadership role and contribute to Socitm’s ongoing success. My journey is testament to the organisation’s commitment to living its values of ‘by the members for the members‘”.

Socitm Inspire will give members a single go-to place to access practical resources and assets, sector specific insights to support decision making and business cases, plus a unique network of peer support to avoid reinvention of the wheel.

Sam added:

We are creating a powerful community that connects local leaders, policymakers, and practitioners not just from local authorities but also other public bodies and private partners, so we can learn from each other. Our members tell us they come for the content but stay for this community”.

Find out more about Socitm’s President’s Conference.

About Samantha Smith
After completing Socitm’s Empowering Women programme in 2016, Sam held Eastern region committee roles. She then joined the board as a vice-president, leading as president for two years from 2020. She is currently Socitm’s immediate past president.

For more information or interviews contact David Ogden on 07906 949 198.