iStandUK has announced a significant strengthening of its leadership team and Executive Board as momentum builds nationally around improving the way public services share, use and standardise data.
We are excited to announce a leadership transition at iStandUK. After many years of dedicated service, Phil Swan is stepping down as Executive Chair of iStandUK. Phil has been instrumental in shaping our vision and driving forward our mission to promote standards and interoperability across local public services.
Although Phil will be leaving his role as Executive Chair, we are delighted that he will remain on the iStandUK Board, continuing to share his expertise and guidance. This change comes as Phil moves on from his position at Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to take up an exciting new role at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). We wish Phil every success in this next chapter and thank him for his outstanding leadership and commitment to iStandUK.
The Executive Board, representing local authorities, government bodies and major sector partners including the LGA, SOCITM and techUK, has welcomed new leadership.
We are delighted to announce Mark Peterson from North Yorkshire Council as the new Chair of the iStandUK Executive Board. Mark has served on the board as Deputy Chair, bringing deep knowledge and experience in digital transformation and local government innovation and joins at pivotal moment, as national focus on data sharing and cross‑sector collaboration gains speed.
In his comments, Mark emphasised the importance of this moment:
“It’s an honour and privilege to work with such an amazingly passionate and skilled group of people, who have a shared love and understanding of just how game changing data standards can be
I am both delighted and privileged to be as chair… There is real momentum gathering around how we can share and use data more effectively… Done right, we have a genuine opportunity to leverage the power of data to make better decisions and improve people’s lives.”
To further strengthen the Board’s breadth and depth, several new members have been appointed:
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Robert Ling, Director of Resources and Organisation, Central Bedfordshire Council
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Laura Sato, Assistant Director – Data Architecture, NHS England
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Kieran Smith, Deputy Director Digital and Transformation, GMCA
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Beata Lisowska, Chief Data Architect, NHS England
Each brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to improving how public services understand, use and exchange data. Their involvement marks a significant milestone in iStandUK’s growth and national influence.
Looking ahead, these appointments reflect a clear and growing consensus: that effective data standards are essential for improving services, enabling better decisions and unlocking the potential of digital transformation across the public sector.
As we enter this exciting new phase, we welcome conversations with organisations and leaders who share our goals. If you are interested in joining the Executive Board or collaborating with iStandUK, please contact us at iStandUK@Tameside.gov.uk
More information about our mission, priorities and current work can be found on our website.