As local authorities, central government and public‑sector partners face unprecedented pressures to collaborate and innovate, iStandUK is positioning itself to play an even greater role in shaping the trusted, consistent and future‑ready data standards the sector now urgently needs.
iStandUK is pleased to welcome several new colleagues whose experience will help accelerate this work.
Craig Wilkins joins iStandUK as Standards Manager. Craig brings a career spanning local government, digital transformation and major systems architecture. His arrival comes at a time when interoperability, shared language and common standards are increasingly recognised as essential enablers of reform across the public sector.
Craig’s reflections underline both his ambition and belief in the mission:
“After studying Technology, I started my working career in the Nuclear Power Generating Business, advancing my knowledge of technology, process and control systems. After developing and supporting a major works management solution, I moved to Capita Education Systems supporting Higher and Further Education enterprise management systems. I then made the move to the Public Sector.
During my time at Sedgemoor District Council and latterly Somerset Council, I have had the opportunity to hold many roles from Systems Developer to Transformation Manager, to Head of ICT. Alongside these roles I have also held the position of Regional Chair for both SOCITM and Geoplace organisations.
My roles in the public sector have enabled me to work on many projects, from E-Government, Platform and System standardisation, to the current hot topic Local Government Reorganisation. This work has also allowed be to work with many stakeholders across the Digital, Data and Technology industry as well as stakeholders within all areas of Local Government service delivery. Alternatively, outside of the public sector, I have also continued to study, gaining PGDBA and MBA academic qualifications and I am currently mid stage studying for a DBA.
My main hobbies are riding my motorcycle and going to watch motorcycle racing. With regard to the latter, you can often find me in Ireland, the Isle of Man, various UK and international locations.
The opportunity to support the iStandUK strategy, promoting standards across our industry is something that I believe can make a significant difference, helping to uncouple the complexity of system and data interoperability, whilst fundamentally underpinning improved service delivery to the customer. This is a goal which aligns with my professional vision and compliments my aspirations to date.”
Nicholas Oughtibridge has been appointed as Standards Specialist. Nicholas Oughtibridge, whose distinguished career in the NHS, including roles such as Head of Clinical Data Architecture and Lead Architect, adds vital expertise in large‑scale, complex data environments.
Nicholas’ experience will play an important role in bridging information gaps across systems and shaping the foundations on which modern, integrated public services depend.
If you have any questions for the team you can send an email to: iStandUK@tameside.gov.uk