At SAVVI (Scalable Approach to Vulnerability Via Interoperability), we realised early on that involving the tech industry is crucial for the adoption of our standards. Enthusiasm from local authorities and the government alone isn’t enough if the tech industry doesn’t support and adopt these standards. 

In 2020, we partnered with techUK to form the Scalable Approach to Vulnerability via Interoperability (SAVVI) Tech Working Group to engage with industry partners. At that time, we were still developing the standards and seeking feedback from the industry.

Fast forward to 2025, and we have made significant progress in developing SAVVI standards, gaining support from the government and local authorities. We are now ready to pilot these standards with tech suppliers.

In January 2025, techUK held a SAVVI tech working group meeting about Local Government Data Standards. Chaired by techUK, this workshop brought together representatives from local government, private sector suppliers, and data experts to discuss the need for standardized data practices to improve services for citizens.

The workshop included presentations from key speakers, discussions on data usage, audience interactions, and insights into the next steps for collaboration. Key speakers included:

• Emily Sullivan, MHCLG: Highlighted the current landscape of local government data, the need for standardized formats, and the benefits of standardization.
• Ian Singleton, ORUK: Presented a case study on the practical applications of open data standards through the Open Referral UK initiative.
• Paul Davidson, SAVVI: Discussed SAVVI’s aim to create scalable approaches to support vulnerable populations using defined data standards.
• Firoze Salim, GDS/DSIT: Explained the role of the Government Data Standards Authority in improving coordination across governmental data initiatives.
• Alison Young, techUK: Emphasized the importance of data standards for collaboration between local councils and external partners.

You can find the event overview on techUK’s website. Since the meeting, several suppliers, including Databricks, CDD Services, CDP Soft and Engage Process have shown interest in working with SAVVI. We are in discussions with each about how they can best engage with us.

We are working towards our next SAVVI tech working group meeting, on 17 June 2025. At this meeting, we aim to: 

• share progress we have made in the Government adoption of SAVVI standards
• Hear updates from Government colleagues about Government agenda for data and standards 
• Introduce the work we have done to develop APIs for SAVVI
• Hear from industry partners about their engagement with SAVVI

This meeting, chaired by Ileana Lupsa from techUK, is open to all industry partners and participants do not have to be members of techUK to attend. 

Please visit techUK’s website to find out more and to register for the 17 June Online event.