Public sector organisations continue to face increasing pressure to deliver programmes and projects with greater transparency, efficiency and speed. At this year’s DigiGov Expo, Simon Sharp from Verto shared his perspective on how the landscape is shifting and why many teams are now re-examining the tools and approaches they rely on to deliver complex portfolios of work.
One of the biggest themes shaping project and programme delivery today is the growing role of artificial intelligence. Rather than focusing on speculative future use cases, Simon highlights the practical value emerging right now: AI that automates routine tasks, improves search and reporting, and provides early insight into risks that may impact outcomes. These developments reflect a wider trend across government to use technology not as a replacement for skilled teams, but as a way to reduce friction and free up time for higher-value work.
Security also remains front and centre. Public sector organisations handle large volumes of sensitive information, so any digital solution used within project or programme delivery must operate within strict data governance frameworks. Approaches such as offline model training and controlled data environments are becoming increasingly important as AI capability matures.
Beyond technology, there is a growing emphasis on community and shared learning. Regular user groups, sector forums and collaborative sessions are helping teams compare challenges, exchange ideas and shape best practice across government, local authorities, health and housing.
As public sector bodies continue to pursue efficiency and deliver against ambitious policy goals, the need for clearer visibility, better governance and smarter tooling will only increase. AI, when implemented securely and responsibly, offers a meaningful opportunity to strengthen delivery and support more informed decision-making across programmes and projects.
🎧 To dive deeper into these insights, listen to the full conversation with Simon Sharp on The DigiGov Podcast – Episode #4: Verto's Blueprint for AI-Powered Public Sector PPM