As momentum builds nationally around improving how public services share, use and standardise data, iStandUK is preparing for a pivotal season of delivery and engagement. To ensure we have the strategic governance required to meet these growing ambitions, we recently took steps to significantly strengthen our leadership team and Executive Board.
During our Executive Board meeting on 23rd June, we were delighted to officially appoint two new Deputy Chairs: John Curtis, Deputy Director – Information and Data Governance and Data Protection Officer (DPO) at Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Stephen Curtis, Digital Transformation Lead at East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
We want to formally welcome them both to their new roles. Each brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to improving how public services understand, use and exchange data. They have already proven instrumental in shaping our vision, and their involvement marks a significant milestone in iStandUK’s growth and national influence.
On joining the board, John and Stephen have said the following;
“I’m delighted to share that I’ve been appointed as Deputy Chair of the iStandUK Board. iStandUK plays an important role in supporting innovation, collaboration and standards regarding data use and access across the sector, and I’m looking forward to helping shape and support its work in this new capacity.
I look forward to working alongside fellow Board members, partners and stakeholders to help advance iStandUK mission of promoting data standards that support efficiency, transformation and transparency in local public services across the UK.”
John Curtis, GMCA
“Enabling the sharing of data for better outcomes has long been a passion of mine, and standards are at the heart of this. I’m thrilled to be able to support i-StandUK in this role. I look forward to working with everyone on the i-StandUK Executive Board and beyond to raise the profile of data standards and embedding them into everything we do in our places.”
Stephen Curtis, East Riding of Yorkshire Council
These appointments were timed strategically to coincide with a crucial period of transition and preparation for iStandUK.
iStandUK has a long, proven track record of developing and governing data standards across local public services and crucially, supporting their real‑world adoption. Through programmes like SAVVI, we have demonstrated our ability to work with councils, national bodies, suppliers and community groups to turn standards into practical improvements in how services operate and collaborate.
Right now, under the guidance of our expanded leadership team, we are focusing on strengthening the technical stability of the newly transitioned ORUK standard. Over the coming months, we are getting everything in place for a full period of incubation under iStandUK. This focused preparation phase allows us to ensure our technical and strategic foundations are absolutely solid before we begin our wider outreach and engagement campaign from October onwards.
John and Stephen join an Executive Board that proudly represents local authorities, government bodies and major sector partners, including the LGA, SOCITM and techUK. As we enter this exciting new phase of growth, we welcome conversations with organisations and public sector leaders who share our goals.
If you would like to get in touch with the iStandUK team please contact us at iStandUK@Tameside.gov.uk.