Government strengthens digital leadership

The Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office has announced the appointment of three senior Digital, Data and Technology leaders by the government.

Alex Chisholm announced that the Cabinet Office will establish the Central Digital and Data Office for Government - the new strategic centre for Digital, Data and Technology for the Government - in early February. As such, Paul Willmott will chair a new Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) for the government, Joanna Davinson will be appointed the Executive Director of CDDO and Tom Read will be the new Chief Executive Officer of Government Digital Service (GDS).

Ministers believe that the Civil Service Digital, Data and Technology function will be integral to the success of rebuilding our economy after the coronavirus pandemic and that these appointments will strengthen the leadership, power and presence in this critical area.

Paul Willmott said: “This is an exciting and important moment for digital government in the UK. There is a clear mission to establish the UK as global leader in digital government and to provide citizens with better services. The ambition and challenges are substantial but, from what I’ve seen, we have both the capabilities and determination to succeed. I’m delighted to be able to help.”

Joanna Davinson said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be chosen to lead the government Digital, Data and Technology profession and community and to have the opportunity to shape government digital, data and technology on a national scale. I am looking forward to working with department Chief Digital Information Officers and their teams and with other colleagues across government, to develop and deliver the strategies and plans that enable the UK to lead the way in serving its citizens by being one of the most digitally advanced governments in the world.”

Tom Read said: “To have the opportunity to lead Government Digital Service into its next era is incredibly exciting and one that I cannot wait to get started on. Never has it been more important to build, deliver and support services that are fundamentally based on the needs of our users. I look forward to delivering a refreshed focus on the development and delivery of digital products and services underpinned by strong digital standards.”