TechToTransform
By Mantis PR
TechToTransform: A podcast series by Mantis PR.
TechToTransform is a monthly podcast series featuring the leaders who are driving digital change forwards in the public sector – from the NHS to social care, police to education, local to central government. Guests join Mantis PR’s Rebecca Paddick to discuss the major developments taking place, and challenges still being faced, in harnessing tech to make digital transformation a reality.
TechToTransformOct 12, 2022
#27 What’s on the horizon in tech reporting?
In this episode, Rebecca Paddick spoke to Infotec.NEWS journalist Simon Guerrier, to find out what’s on the horizon in technology reporting over the coming months.
With an imminent election, the potential impact of AI-generated content, and the continuous evolution of digital, how do reporters select their stories? And what role do technology providers play in that?
They also discussed the ways journalism is evolving in response to advancements in big data analytics and visualisation tools.
Looking at public sector tech, Simon explains how the growing importance of privacy and cybersecurity issues could impact the focus and approach of tech journalism in the near future.
As sustainability becomes a more prominent concern, particularly in the tech industry, the pair discuss how journalists can raise awareness and foster dialogue around environmentally friendly practices and innovations.
They also covered a few other topics, like the way technology can connect us all, how news should add light not noise, and… the science of teddy bears…
Take a listen to find out more.
Links and resources:
eVTOL (the air taxis of the future)
Dorothy app for people living with dementia
Well-being app for social care staff
Guide to 'second-life' lithium batteries
Since we spoke to Simon, the British Library has posted a detailed, 18-page report on the cyber-attack it suffered, laying out what happened, how it responded and recommending ways we can all learn from its experience.
#26 – The future of govtech
In this episode, we talk to Rob Anderson, Chief Analyst and Service Director, Public Sector at Global Data, about what the future holds for govtech.
Rob explained how the Procurement Act – a central digital platform for suppliers to register and store their details so that they can be used for multiple bids – could be the biggest change in public sector procurement in a generation.
Rob then talked about the potential impact of the upcoming election, and why a more digitally focused government should look to build on the existing Roadmap for digital and data.
He also discussed the potential benefits of Generative AI, the urgency for cyber security funding, and how we can continue to tackle technical debt… aka legacy tech.
Take a listen.
#25 – Supporting student mental health in 2024
We’re kicking off our first episode of 2024 with a focus on student mental health.
Today’s students are facing a very unique set of challenges, the Covid legacy, and the cost-of-living crisis, have added to the ‘traditional’ pressures a student might face during their time at university. But the sector is responding, and there is some fantastic digital tools out there providing extra support.
So what can we expect to see develop further over the coming months? We spoke to Aphrael Spindloe, Content Manager at Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, to find out more about the support that’s out there for both students, and universities, and how tech can play an all important part in the mental health agenda.
This year, Student Minds is supporting the sector through a number of initiatives, take a look at Aphrael’s top picks below:
Student Space provides a range of trusted information, tools and services to help with the uncertainty of student life.
The Student Minds Hub is a place where you can find community, engage with training, and resources, and find out how your university can put student mental health first.
#UniMentalHealthDay On the 14th March, the nation will get talking about student mental health and working together to make mental health a university-wide priority. No matter who you are, you can take part in this day.
University Mental Health Manifesto Sign up to Student Minds’ national newsletter to stay up-to-date with progress of the manifesto.
Tech To Transform #24 – the MedTech strategy
Welcome to the latest episode of Tech to Transform, the Mantis podcast.
In the episode, medtech journalist and editor Ian Bolland discusses the first ever medical technology strategy. The government says the plan will support a thriving UK medtech sector and make sure the health and care system can reliably access safe, effective and innovative medical technologies to deliver the best outcomes for patients.
As well as delving into the policy, Ian discusses the sector frustrations left behind by Covid-19 and debates if the pandemic was a lost opportunity for the medtech sector to drive innovation forward.
He also tells us more about the upcoming Med-Tech Innovation Expo, and explains what medtech and healthtech vendors can do to cut through the noise and get their message heard in a busy and thriving sector.
Take a listen.
Tech To Transform #23 – edtech in 2023: what’s the potential impact?
Welcome to the first Mantis podcast of 2023.
Tech to Transform is our podcast series featuring the leaders driving digital change forward in the public sector.
In this episode, we talk to education journalist Charley Rogers about trends and challenges facing schools over the coming months.
We discuss the types of edtech stories that cut through the noise in a busy and ever-growing marketplace, and show how the right technology can support overstretched teachers and impact teaching and learning for the better.
We also take a look at what’s in store at this year’s largest edtech trade show, Bett.
Take a listen.
Tech To Transform #22 – tech for today’s GP
Welcome to the latest episode of TechToTransform, the Mantis podcast.
In this episode, Mantis Account Director Rebecca Paddick caught up with Dr Sophie Newton, a GP with a diploma in Lifestyle Medicine and YouTube channel, where she aims to share accurate, honest and evidence-based medical information.
They discussed life in a busy GP practice, and the ways in which technology is helping to improve patient access to primary care.
Sophie also shared what she’d say to Therese Coffey if she had ten minutes in a taxi with her.
Take a listen.
Tech To Transform #21 – panel discussion highlights: Government innovation in science and technology, where next?
Welcome to the latest episode of TechToTransform, the Mantis podcast.
This episode is going to sound a little different because it’s a recap of the event the Mantis team held in Bristol on the 10th October.
Mantis PR took part in this year’s Bristol Technology Festival, where we gathered a fantastic panel to discuss ‘Government innovation in science and technology, where next?’
Chaired by Eleanor Willock, Head of Mantis, the panel discussion and networking event gave the science and tech community access to the Government's own perspective on the topic, VC input on the industry investment landscape, and discussion opportunity with growth and collaboration specialists
A world-leading programme of innovation in science and tech is a huge Government priority. How does it manage its ecosystem and partnerships to achieve this? How can firms wanting to work with public sector innovators become suppliers and grow their business? Where are investors focused right now? How will the NHS and health tech industry collaborate? These were just some of the questions the panellists tackled during the discussion.
The full, uninterrupted panel session is already on website, but we’ve included some highlights here too, particularly some advice and insight from panellist Dr Chen Mao Davies, CEO and Founder, LatchAid, a parenting and breastfeeding support app. Chen was also a 2021 Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award Winner.
Chen then discussed the types of funding her business has received to help it grow, which led the conversation on the do’s and don’ts for innovators looking for investment.
Other panellist included: Matt Newman, Deputy Director of Accelerated Access Collaboration for Innovation, Research and Life Sciences, NHS England; Alex Leach, Acting Director of Innovation at the West of England AHSN, and Hugo Villanueva, Biotech and Health Specialist VC, Octopus Ventures.
Take a listen.
LISTEN to our panel discussion: Government innovation in science and technology, where next?
On the 10thOctober, Mantis PR took part in this year’s Bristol Technology Festival.
We gathered a fantastic panel to discuss ‘Government innovation in science and technology, where next?’
Chaired by Eleanor Willock, Head of Mantis, the panel discussion and networking event gave the science and tech community access to the Government's own perspective on the topic, VC input on the industry investment landscape, and discussion opportunity with growth and collaboration specialists.
A world-leading programme of innovation in science and tech is a huge Government priority. How does it manage its ecosystem and partnerships to achieve this? How can firms wanting to work with Public Sector innovators become suppliers and grow their business? Where are investors focused right now? How will the NHS and health tech industry collaborate? These were just some of the questions the panellists tackled during the discussion.
Panellists included:
· Matt Newman, Deputy Director of Accelerated Access Collaboration for Innovation, Research and Life Sciences, NHS England.
· Alex Leach, acting director of innovation at the West of England AHSN.
· Hugo Villanueva, biotech and health specialist VC, Octopus Ventures.
· Dr Chen Mao Davies, CEO and Founder, LatchAid, Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award Winner 2021
If you missed the event, you can listen to the full panel discussion and questions from the audience here.
Tech To Transform #20 – address unique pressures in public sector comms
Welcome to the latest episode of TechToTransform, the Mantis podcast.
In this episode, Head of Mantis, Eleanor Willock chats to Darren Caveney, from comms2point0, a shared learning space for creative communications professionals.
After 12 years as an award-winning director and head of communications, Darren launched a specialist communications consultancy which has since supported over 150 organisations across the UK.
Darren discusses his career challenges and achievements, and the unique pressures on public sector comms professionals today, and how we can address them.
Take a listen.
Tech To Transform #19 – a tech-driven approach to solving homelessness
In latest episode of Tech To Transform, the Mantis podcast – we delve into a topic we’ve not visited before, homelessness.
Mantis Account Director Rebecca Paddick chatted to Seb Barker, COO and co-founder of Beam, the world's first crowdfunding platform for homeless people.
Seb was joined by Cllr Elly Cutkelvin from Leicester City Council. They all discussed Beam's tech-driven approach to solving homelessness, as well as its partnership with Leicester, and the city’s strong innovation ethos.
Both also gave some inspiring examples of what happens when people, charities, government and companies work together, and how millions of homeless people can benefit.
Take a listen.
Tech To Transform #18 – the UK's Global leadership in scientific research and innovation
In this episode, we focus on the UK's Global leadership in scientific research and innovation, as Eleanor meets one of the UK's most accomplished scientific business leaders, Paul Vernon.
Paul is the Executive Director, Business and Innovation, at the Government's Science and Technology Facilities Council, and is Head of Daresbury Laboratory, the UK's Internationally recognised centre for nuclear physics, high performance computing, and accelerator science.
Paul takes Eleanor on a listening tour of Daresbury and discusses its mind-blowing innovation, space tech, the coolest thing in the car park, big energy bills, and Eleanor admitting her deep affection for supercomputers.
Tech To Transform #17 – Bett is back – what to expect for the next year in edtech
The latest episode of Tech To Transform is going to sound a little different, as Account Director Rebecca Paddick heads to Bett, Europe’s largest edtech trade show.
Rebecca chatted to Peter Claxton, Senior Director of EdTech Solutions at ViewSonic, Lauren Jeffery, Area Sales Manager at OrCam and Sophie Bailey, Founder of The Edtech Podcast, to find out the latest edtech trends.
Take a listen.
Tech To Transform #16 – Data for Government and public sector events – what to expect
In the latest episode of Tech To Transform, Account Director Rebecca Paddick discusses all things events in the public sector.
In conversation with tech strategist Jessica Figueras, and Co-Founder of Think Digital Partners, Matt Stanley, they talk about how and why the public sector consumes tech and digital conferences and events the way they do.
They also discuss data for Government . Data is now the number one asset for public sector organisations wishing to transform outcomes for citizens, and there is huge excitement about the possibilities. The trio discuss what to expect in 2022.
Take a listen.
Tech To Transform #15 – Innovation in the NHS
In the latest episode of Tech To Transform, Account Director Rebecca Paddick discusses all things innovation in the National Health Service, with NHS England’s Lindsey Hughes.
Lindsey, the Director of Policy and Strategy, Innovation, Research and Life Sciences Group at NHS England, discusses how the dynamic and ever-evolving NHS is an institution that has famously always innovated. She also listed the areas where innovation is being prioritised.
She reflected on how the pandemic has spotlighted the critical role of research and innovation. And we asked, is innovation the way forward when many Trusts remain in Covid crisis mode?
Take a listen.
Tech To Transform: #14 Why is chemistry so important in the world of PR?
In the latest episode of Tech To Transform, Mantis PR Managing Director Eleanor Willock delves into the subject of chemistry.
She asks, what is it? Why is it important? Does it mean different things to an agency than it does to a client? Whose job is it to build it?
Eleanor and her guest, Alison O'Leary from Live True, examine some of their past chemistry experiences and get deeply into a discussion on the impact of shared values on chemistry.
Alison also gives her experience on the personality types of a typical PR person.
If you're building any sort of team, looking to engage with a PR agency or wondering what you need to prepare for if you do, this is the podcast for you.
Take a listen.
Tech To Transform: #13 The use of data and the ethics of AI in the NHS
In the first Tech To Transform podcast of 2022, Mantis MD Eleanor Willock delves into the use of data and the ethics of AI in the NHS.
Eleanor spoke to Sam Gilbert, author of Good Data: An Optimist's Guide to Our Digital Future, and Daniel Bamford, Deputy Director AI Award, Accelerated Access Collaborative at NHS England, on what NHSE is doing to fund AI innovation.
They discussed how machine learning is already transforming 80,000 clinical pathways, and looked at reasons to be optimistic about how good data can make a positive difference. They also questioned whether the NHS has that good data, and whether public sector tech companies should focus on other markets to attract investors.
And, they explained why switching the radio to Heart FM is the first thing they'll all be doing on their imaginary taxi ride with Sajid Javid.
Take a listen.
Tech to Transform: #12 NHS integration, ICS regulation & dealing with patient data
In the last TechToTransform podcast of 2021, Mantis MD Eleanor Willock talks to Liam Cahill, national adviser on health and social care, and expert in digital organisational change.
They discuss the huge challenges facing the NHSE/D/X integration, whether ICS regulation will solve the innovation gap, the digital NHS mindset, and the exact point at which citizen data should become patient data.
Advisory: this podcast contains Star Wars analogies some listeners may find upsetting. Although, if you do, we find your lack of faith disturbing.
Tech to Transform: #11 Mantis and Ruder Finn - agency life, PR for medtech, and the return of the fax
Following Mantis PR’s acquisition by new parent company Ruder Finn, Eleanor Willock talks to managing director Nick Leonard.
They discuss agency management, what they can learn from their colleagues and clients, how working in medtech and the public sector motivates them, and how faxing should make a return to media relations.
Take a listen.
Tech to Transform: #10 NHS relationships with private healthcare through the pandemic and beyond
In episode 10 of our podcast series, Mantis PR MD Eleanor Willock met Rachel Waters, director of development, NHS, at HCA healthcare. Although Rachel ends 2021 in independent healthcare, she started it as Director of Programme Delivery in the NHS, where she led a team through the eye of the pandemic storm, securing the resources hospitals needed to deliver care to all patients, both Covid sufferers and those needing critical care.
Rachel and Eleanor talk about how the NHS expanded its footprint and worked with private healthcare during covid, and how that will continue to work. They discussed the differences between private partnership and privatisation for the NHS, how to lead a team in a crisis, how clapping for the NHS affected her, and what would happen if she had ten minutes in an Uber with Sajid Javid.
Take a listen if you're new to navigating the private or public healthcare delivery landscape.
Tech to Transform: #9 medtech and healthtech – is there still a dividing line?
In episode 9 of our podcast series, Mantis PR's Rebecca Paddick sat down with Med-Tech Innovation’s editor Ian Bolland, to discuss the medtech market.
Med-Tech Innovation is the leading multi-platform communication brand for the UK medical design and manufacturing industries. Since its launch, the title has become the voice of authority for the sector, providing daily news, technical guidance, analysis, case studies and high-profile interviews with industry experts and thought leaders.
Today, we’re seeing tech revolutionise both the clinical and non-clinical fields, and with the continued drive to digitise and connect systems across health and social care, Rebecca and Ian discuss if there remains a dividing line between healthtech and medtech.
They also talk about how the pandemic has driven a new wave of tech companies into the market, and they discuss predictions for the future tech trends across the healthcare sector.
Take a listen.
Tech to Transform: #8 Edtech and HE – post pandemic partnerships
In episode 8 of our podcast series, Mantis PR's Rebecca Paddick sat down with Jisc’s head of higher education and student experience, James Clay, to find out how edtech start-ups can help support a sector that has been so heavily impacted by the pandemic.
James Clay, who has worked in the education sector since 1993, and has extensive experience in the use of technology to enhance and enrich learning, offered his advice to those working in, or in direct partnership with universities as we look ahead to a post-COVID recovery.
Take a listen.
Further Jisc resources:
Learning & Teaching Reimagined: https://www.jisc.ac.uk/learning-and-teaching-reimagined
Powering UK higher education: https://www.jisc.ac.uk/reports/higher-education-strategy-2021-2024
Student digital experience insights survey: Full survey / summary
Step up programme, for edtech start-ups: https://www.jisc.ac.uk/get-involved/step-up-programme
Tech to Transform: #7 The VC perspective on health tech investment
In episode 7 of our podcast series, Mantis PR's MD Eleanor Willock is in conversation with one of Europe's most active health venture capitalists, Joe Stringer, from Octopus Ventures.
They discuss: The new market definitions of health and med tech, and how investors' appetites for both are changing How International tech firms should be viewing the NHS as an opportunity How data collection and analysis capabilities are driving capital investment The importance of PR and good founder communications in the route to funding
Take a listen.
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Tech to Transform: #6 Capital raising in tech – from start-up funding to IPO
In episode 6 of our podcast series, Mantis PR’s Rebecca Paddick and MD Eleanor Willock shine a light for tech companies on the positive UK conditions for capital raising and what the opportunities and hurdles are. If you’re raising money, or thinking about raising money in 2021, this is a must-listen episode.
In this extended episode, you can hear:
• Neil Shah, technology sector specialist at the London Stock Exchange giving his take on the recent TechNation report, and how PR plays a part in raising capital.
• Monika Radclyffe, Centre Director at SETsquared Bristol, on what incubators look for when supplying capital, and the rapid growth trajectory of the UK start-up community.
• Henry Humphreys, a Partner at investment specialist firm Humphreys Law on the common traits shared by successfully funded businesses and some of the biggest challenges to securing investment.
Take a listen.
Tech To Transform: #5 Higher education – overcoming the cost of COVID
In episode 5 of our podcast series, Mantis PR’s Rebecca Paddick sat down with Will Marsh, the University of Bristol’s Deputy Director of Communications, to discuss the impact of the pandemic on one of the country’s most popular and successful universities.
They discussed how Bristol’s PR and comms team navigated the ever-evolving challenges created by COVID-19, and also talked about what student life might be like at universities across the country, post pandemic.
Take a listen.
Tech to Transform: #4 GovTech trends in 2021
In episode 4 of our podcast series, Mantis PR’s Rebecca Paddick sat down with Government ICT analyst Rob Anderson, to discuss the green shoots of recovery for the UK’s GovTech community of suppliers in the wake of COVID, the role of the new Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) for Government and how it will work alongside GDS, and the further changes we are likely to see to GovTech in 2021.
Rob Anderson leads research and analysis of Government ICT for GlobalData, one of the world's leading market intelligence providers.
With 30+ years involvement in the use of IT in the public sector, Rob is a keen follower of technology-enabled policy delivery and has supported many organisations in driving change, both within IT suppliers and as a public servant.
Take a listen.
Tech to Transform: #3 International tech firms and UK public sector
In episode 3 of our podcast series, Mantis PR’s Rebecca Paddick sat down with tech strategist Jessica Figueras, to discuss UK public sector priorities and the technology helping to navigate COVID and Brexit.
She also asks how international technology providers can break into the UK arena and boost their chances of winning public sector contracts.
Every month, we speak to the leaders who are driving digital change forwards in the public sector, and discussing the major developments taking place, and challenges still being faced, in harnessing tech to make digital transformation a reality.
Take a listen.
Tech To Transform: #2 Rebuilding local government
In episode 2, Mantis PR's Rebecca Paddick sat down with Miranda Evans, Head of Research at Tussell and Georgina Maratheftis, Head of Local Public Services at techUK, to discuss how local authorities have been coping with coronavirus, and how technology has helped, in recent months.
They also talked about the barriers to implementing transformative tech before the pandemic, and how these have now changed, and I also asked, what can be done to strengthen the relationship between technology suppliers and local authorities in the months to come.
Every month, we'll be speaking to the leaders who are driving digital change forwards in the public sector, and discussing the major developments taking place, and challenges still being faced, in harnessing tech to make digital transformation a reality.
Take a listen.
Tech To Transform: #1 Policetech needs new suppliers
In Mantis PR's very first Tech to Transform podcast, we learn about the challenges and opportunities facing policetech in the UK from Wayne Parks, Chair, National Police Technology Council and Ian bell, CEO of Police ICT, a partner to UK police services and law enforcement organisations.
Quizzed by Mantis PR's Rebecca Paddick, Wayne and Ian discuss the challenges police services face around investment in technology and the need for more single points of investment. The policetech experts suggest police services face a considerable legacy IT estate with complex governance rules to follow and a lack of maturity in terms of digital adoption.
But, the police services do have pockets of success. There is increasing migration to the cloud across all forces; an increasing use of body worn video and more collaboration around technology. 'Slowly but surely', Ian and Wayne suggest police services are starting to work together better and more closely. And, as a customer, as a buying organisation, it is becoming more informed and easy to work with.
During the podcast, Ian and Wayne suggest the policetech market needs new suppliers - new suppliers to revive the marketplace and bring much needed new ideas and innovation.