Socitm appoints Martin Ferguson as Head of Policy to build influence on public sector policy around ICT, efficiency and information management

In this role, Martin will lead the development and promotion of Socitm responses to major issues such as the collection and management of personal data; approaches to sharing data across different agencies; the scope for resource saving through shared services, partnerships, outsourcing, self service and flexible working; and the pan-government security vision.

He will also drive associated stakeholder engagement with central and local government, and the third and private sectors, further developing Socitm's existing relationships with bodies like the LGA, SOLACE, and IDeA, as well as the Cabinet Office and other central government departments. As a result of the Society's recent merger with CITRA (Charity IT Resource Alliance) he will develop increasing activity within and across the 'third' sector.

The policy role, shaped by immediate Past President Richard Steel during his 12 month secondment to Socitm from his ICT Director role at the London Borough of Newham, is seen by the Socitm as central to its work in representing and promoting the work of ICT professionals in the public sector. Over the last 12 months, Socitm has taken a leading role in drafting local government's response to the Data Handling Review, representing local government interests to the Government Connect programme, and forming the Local Government CIO Council. Socitm sees the appointment of its Head of Policy as key to maintaining and increasing this momentum.

Martin Ferguson brings a wealth of experience to the role. Between 2003 and 2005 he was Assistant Director, e-government, at the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA), leading strategic support to councils' plans and implementations of local e-government. Prior to that he was Chief Information Officer at St. Albans District Council and was elected a president of Socitm. For over 10 years, he has held the post of Associate Senior Lecturer in Information Management and e-Governance at the Institute of Local Government Studies, The University of Birmingham, teaching Public Service MBA students from local government, the voluntary sector, housing associations, the police and the Hong Kong government.

'Given the extreme financial challenges to be faced by public sector organisations over the next few years, its never been more important for us to have our thinking absolutely straight on key issues like data security, information sharing, partnership working and customer access to services' says Socitm President Steve Palmer. 'Martin is exactly the right person to help us do that, and we are delighted to have him on board'.

Further information:

A print quality image of Martin is available on application to the Socitm Press Office