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rumens.uk
#localgov Digital Services Manager and #digitaltransformation lead. Part of @LocalGovDigital. Advocate of technology enabled user centred design. o7 CMDR
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Sometimes when I click the Applause reaction in Teams, I actually mean it as a slow hand clap.

I was delighted to be able to able to give evidence in Parliament today to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee's inquiry on the Digital centre of government. I hope I represented #localgov #digital well. You can watch and make your own mind up here: parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...

Really enjoyed the Are you Listening Festival in Reading yesterday. A huge variety of acts at venues across the town, which were really busy (but not uncomfortably so) even at 4pm.

I'll be giving evidence at a Science, Innovation and Technology Committee inquiry meeting next week. Obviously the questions and discussion will be led by the Committee, but what might you mention in relation to #localgov #digital, if the opportunity arose? committees.parliament.uk/event/24188/...

Could small language models be a big idea for the public sector? Something by me on whether a faster, cheaper form of Gen AI with potentially less environmental impact, might keep the automation of UK public sector tasks, within the UK and the public sector. philrumens.blogspot.com/2025/05/a-bi...

Thunderbolts* isn't multi-layered, deep, or meaningful, but it does do what sci-fi and fantasy can do well; featuring topics or subjects not always covered in blockbuster, mainstream cinema to the fore.

Good luck to all my #localgov colleagues across England who are working today, tonight, and tomorrow on local elections.

This looks like a great event from @local.gov.uk for #localgov #digital colleagues, where they'll be sharing their discovery findings on considerations for cyber, digital, data and technology, as part of Local Government Reorganisation. events.teams.microsoft.com/event/62977d...

Really liked #TheAssembly on ITV last night. I'm not a fan of Danny Dyer but the format is great and I'm looking forward to future episodes with other interviewees.

Hi #localgov colleagues. How many of you are using Ark or Crown data centres to host some or all of your services, and how many of you are even aware that this might be an option please? Do reply in my DMs if you don't want to make your response public.

After some research online and a couple of phone calls I reduced my vehicle breakdown cover and home insurance quotes by £35 and £39 from the same providers for the same cover. Whilst this is great for me, it does worry me that those without the skills or confidence to do this are paying too much.

I found the first episode of Season 7 of Black Mirror hard to watch. I think it's probably because once you work out the premise (services introducing advertising and upping their cost) many follow a formula, so not only are they grim but they're predictable too. Does anyone else find this?

Great win for Newbury RFC against Chichester RFC yesterday to avoid relegation, in the final league match of the season. What brilliant weather too; the contrast of being huddled under the shelter of the clubhouse from the wind and rain just a few weeks ago is amazing.

GDS is hiring a senior content designer to work on the Service Standard and Service Manual. £56,070 - £70,219 Deadline end of Wednesday. www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi... #govdesign

A key enabler in joining up and transforming services, particularly across organisations, is the ability to share data. Open Referral isn't new, but this website promoting the work around adoption of the data standard in the UK is: openreferraluk.org Well done to everyone involved.

Interesting to see this from DSIT in relation to #localgov, in the Use of AI in Government report. “an area where we are particularly keen to move early [ … ] because there is a huge amount of potential there to improve citizens’ lives” Full report here: publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cm...