Transforming the public sector is about more than tech – it’s about transformational tech leaders

What an exciting time to be a tech leader in the public sector. Cloud, data and AI are not merely the tools for incremental reform, they represent the means to reimagine and reinvent the very fabric of how technology, services and policy converge to usher in a future of extraordinary outcomes for all. To succeed will need tech leaders to make bold calls, to balance instinct and data to set the course for others to follow. This isn’t just a test of technology, but you as a leader; and the opportunity is immense. 

Strong voices in the spotlight, stronger advocates for their teams 

For the UK public sector to truly harness digital transformation at pace and scale, it needs voices who that set an audacious vision. Leaders who rise above technical weeds, see beyond detail and dare to define our future. But you can take impact up a notch by bringing your teams along for the journey. The best leaders are those who make the most of opportunities to shine light on their team's achievements, boosting morale and incentivising collaborative innovation.  

And at the same time, digital and AI skills are breaking out of the traditional tech space. Our AI Jobs Barometer reveals that roles such as judges and legislators are now highly exposed to AI. There is a need for expertise to help bridge awareness gaps, with a future career path for visionary tech and digital leaders to become the guides through this transition. 

Courage to shake things up outside the comfort zone 

Our global workforce survey, Hopes and Fears, shows that although employees overall feel optimistic about the future, those in the government and public sector were less likely than their private sector peers to embrace new skills and tools. So it’s fortunate that the AI and tech challenge has attracted many senior IT and transformation decision makers from a variety of backgrounds who bring a business-minded approach to public service and know how to deliver change at speed. Having built careers outside of the intricacies of Whitehall, they can bring a fresh perspective, asking questions like, "Why can’t I access that vital piece of information?", "How do we change this legislation to actually get things done?” and, as Wes Streeting asked “What is ‘the stupid stuff’ that’s holding them back from doing what they’re best at?” 

For those manoeuvring through bureaucratic red tape and learning the ropes of public sector constraints, resilience and a clear strategy are key. Crafting narratives that lead to policy changes, seek new ideas, and accentuate the positives relentlessly, rather than dwell on risks and blockers that stifle innovation. 

Informed and not afraid to banish that tick box 

On the flip side, there are those who've worked their way up from within. Navigating the bureaucracy and unique culture of the public sector is hardwired into their DNA. Perhaps been in their roles for years but adopting AI or leading a thorough digital transformation is a step far beyond their experience to date. They need to make the conscious step to break out of habitual thinking. To draw on experience to find ways to challenge the status quo and unplug from the system of rules that are holding back their ability to rethink what this generational change in digital capability could truly look like. The opportunity to seize is huge and a shift of this size will take equal amounts of courage and bold decision-making to step up and be ready. 

Having found their courage to take on this cultural shift, these leaders also need to look to role modelling that for their people. To help teams overcome their fear of perceived consequences that might be holding them back from committing to this new path. And these leaders also need to set aside the time to read, consult and find fresh opinions from outside the bubble to drive their ability to make better decisions.   

A collective drive for change 

Whatever natural strengths or career path tech leaders have, they face a common challenge; the need to overcome entrenched siloed thinking. To craft tools for cross-government use, like the upcoming digital wallet that ties a taxpayer ID to a digital identity. This innovation reduces duplicative work across multiple arms of government, freeing them up to focus more on their unique mandates and missions. 

Those who are ready to adapt, inspire, and break down barriers can lead transformative changes. And that will take tech leaders of all stripes. Through blending technical expertise with political strategy, nurturing team input, and tackling inefficiencies head-on, they hold the potential to redefine public sector service productivity and cost.