AI and Digital Transformation in Welsh Public Services Conference

Adam Price is a former Member of Parliament, representing the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr constituency between 2001 and 2010. 

During his time at the Commons, Adam served on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee and was Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for Treasury, Business, Innovation and Skills. 

Adam was voted the only Welsh MP to retain public support in the Western Mail’s online poll of MPs’ during the expenses scandal of 2009. He was named as the 2007 BBC AM.PM Communicator of the Year and won the 2005 ITV Welsh Political Awards Campaigning Politician of the Year. 

Adam was leader of Plaid Cymru from 2018 to 2023. 

On 13 May 2026, Adam was appointed Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy.  

Professor Rossi Setchi is Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales and Professor of High-Value Manufacturing at the School of Engineering. She is Director of the Research Centre in AI, Robotics and Human-Machine Systems (IROHMS) and Co-Director of the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Systems at Cardiff (CAMSAC).

Rossi has a distinguished track record of research in a range of areas including AI, robotics, systems engineering, additive manufacturing, industrial sustainability, Cyber-Physical Systems and Industry 4.0, and, in particular, has built an international reputation for excellence in knowledge-driven symbolic AI, computational semantics and human-machine systems. Her edited books on Sustainable Design and Manufacturing are among the top Springer publications that address important United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Gareth Jones leads Digital, Technology, Data, and AI at Carmarthenshire County Council, focusing on improving services for residents and supporting the people who deliver them.

Gareth’s team support the platforms, technology, and data behind more than 750 council services used by communities across the county.

Carmartenshire County Council has been modernising how services work — simplifying processes, improving access and making better use of digital and data. More recently the council have been applying AI in practical ways to reduce administration and give frontline teams more time to focus on people.

Much of this work happens through collaboration with colleagues, partners and other councils across Wales.

Gareth is particularly interested in how Digital, AI, Data and Technology can improve public services, alongside connectivity, digital inclusion and cross-sector collaboration.

Sharan Johnstone is the Head of Subject for Cyber Security and Digital Forensics at the University of South Wales (USW), where she oversees an extensive course portfolio. She also serves as the Director of the NCSC Gold-awarded Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education (ACE-CSE), managing both the CyberFirst and National Digital Exploitation Centre (NDEC) outreach teams. 

Dedicated to bridging academia and industry, Sharan leads the development of strategic corporate partnerships to ensure cutting-edge learning opportunities. Furthermore, she holds the position of Head of Talent and Skills for USW within the Cardiff Capital Region’s Cyber Innovation Hub. 

With a diverse academic leadership background, Sharan’s previous roles include Academic Subject Manager, Head of Professional Development, and Senior Lecturer across Cyber Security, Policing, and Security. She is an experienced lecturer specialising in digital forensics, digital crime scene investigation, governance, business management, and professional practice. Prior to entering higher education, she spent years as a Global Business Operations Manager in Voice and Data Telecommunications. 

Sharan’s current research interests focus on data privacy and the accuracy and reliability of digital evidence. A dedicated advocate for educational standards, she is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and an approved external examiner, currently overseeing PCDA and DHEP programmes. She is also an active member of the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Chartered Society for Forensic Sciences (CSFS). 

Liz Lucas is the Director of Transformation, Digital and Procurement at Caerphilly County Borough Council. Passionate about improving public services, Liz leads teams responsible for transformation, digital, customer services and procurement, helping the council deliver positive change for residents and communities. She has a particular interest in how behavioural science, technology and innovation can support service improvement and create better experiences for both citizens and staff. Through collaborative leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement, Liz is helping shape the future of local government in Caerphilly.

Dr Philip Orumwense CBE joined The Government Commercial Agency as Commercial Director and Chief Procurement Officer for Technology in February 2021. He works across the UK Government and wider public sector to secure market value, deliver departmental outcomes and support economic growth with the aim of modernising digital procurement and driving better links with digital and commercial capabilities.

Philip is a strategic and hands-on commercial/procurement leader, Philip has a proven track record of achievements across multiple categories (Business Process Outsourcing, Technology and Digital Systems and Solutions, Financial Systems, Logistics and Record Storage, Travel Management, Professional Services, Contact and Service Centres).

He has had a robust Commercial career across the Public Sector, Finance, Automotive, Rail, Road and Construction Industries. Philip has responsibility for Common Goods and Services across Technology and Digital Categories of spend and manages over £15bn across several categories including Cloud and Digital, Networks, Software Cyber and AI, Digital Futures, and Technology Products and Services across central government, public and third sector (charities and social enterprises) organisations across the UK.

Prior to joining Crown Commercial Service Philip headed up the Information and Technology Commercial and Procurement Group at Highways England as the Commercial and Procurement Director. Prior to this he was the head of the Digital Platforms, Programmes and Applications Category at the Department for Work and Pensions where he was also the Commercial Director for the Universal Credit Programme. Philip has an MA in Political Behaviour (Essex), an MBA in Business Strategy and Procurement Management (Birmingham) and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Aston Business School. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies (FCIPS). He was made a Commander of the British Empire by Her Majesty the Queen, Queen Elizabeth II for Services to the Public in 2020.

Paul Newman is Director of Digital, Data and Technology for South Wales Police and Gwent Police, leading ICT, data, cyber security, and digital transformation across a joint service. An experienced programme leader, Paul brings a strong track record in service delivery, governance, and large-scale technology change within complex public sector environments. He has led major cross‑force convergence initiatives, improving resilience, efficiency, and frontline support. Paul is passionate about harnessing technology to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen collaboration, and deliver better outcomes for the public, while ensuring robust governance, security, and trust remain at the heart of digital innovation.

Keryn Treharne is an HR and workforce transformation leader with extensive experience delivering national services and complex change across the public and private sectors. As HR AI Lead at the Ministry of Justice, he leads strategic, responsible adoption of AI across People and Capability, setting portfolio direction, strengthening governance and assurance, and building the capability and evidence needed to scale human-centred AI safely.

Keryn’s work includes AI-enabled workforce transformation, digital service redesign and the development of value frameworks that look beyond efficiency to employee experience, organisational readiness and public benefit. A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, Keryn brings practical experience of leading multidisciplinary teams, major digital programmes and shared services across government, with a strong focus on trust, inclusion and outcomes that matter.

Dr Matthew Mort is a clinical data scientist and leader at the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) of Cardiff University, where he specialises in the intersection of medical genetics, machine learning, and generative AI. Guided by a “Community Approach to AI,” he advocates for collective, shared learning to pace with rapid technological advancements and build a human-centric digital future. 

Matthew spearheads AI capacity building and digital transformation at Cardiff University. While technically grounded, his leadership style prioritises a people-first approach, utilising executive coaching and a learn-by-doing philosophy to cultivate a resilient growth mindset across the institution. Professionally, he specialises in creating robust data pipelines and deploying novel large language models (LLMs). He is particularly passionate about the operational benefits of local, on-device AI to ensure data privacy and cost efficiency. 

As an educator, Matthew developed the “AI in the Workplace” training programme, helping organisations integrate AI assistants practically and responsibly. His multi-disciplinary background includes a PhD in Bioinformatics and Machine Learning from Cardiff University, a CSSC Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in process improvement, and an ILM 7 Certificate in Executive Coaching and Mentoring. 

An established voice in his field, Matthew has contributed to more than 100 peer-reviewed publications in world-leading journals, including Nature and Science. He frequently collaborates on international initiatives with the NHS, corporate partners, and premier global universities. 

Alexander Aubrey is a GP Partner in Merthyr and serves as Clinical Lead for Artificial Intelligence at Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW). He is also Clinical Director for GMS and Health Protection in Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board. His work focuses on supporting staff and educators to understand and use AI safely, ethically and practically within training, assessment and everyday clinical practice. Alex has developed national AI literacy resources, such as the Foundations in AI module and the Healthcare AI Learning Interface (HALI) and is closely involved in embedding robust governance and evaluation frameworks across NHS Wales. His aim is to ensure that emerging AI is used safely, ethically and responsibly and translates into safe, meaningful improvements in education, workforce development and patient care. 

Jocelle Lovell is a driven, innovative and passionate leader, whose career has been focused on improving social inclusion and tackling inequalities across Wales’ most disadvantaged communities.

Jocelle has a proven track record of establishing pan Wales programmes and harnessing the skills and experience of private sector to address key social issues including lack of educational attainment, homelessness, employability skills, financial inclusion and deprivation. She has both operational experience working with disadvantaged & often socially excluded people and strategic management experience working with senior figures across Welsh Government and the private sector. Over the years, she has built a network of influential contacts across the public, private and third sectors. She is reliable, proactive and focuses on finding sustainable solutions.

Jocelle is people oriented yet totally business focused, having developed her consumer awareness, business acumen and creativity whilst running her own business at the age of 21.

Dr Cynog Prys is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology, Social Policy, and Language Planning at Bangor University, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He holds a PhD from Bangor University, an MEd from the University of Rio Grande, and a First-Class degree in Sociology and Social Policy. A leading expert in Welsh language planning, his co-authored sociology e-books won the prestigious Outstanding Welsh-Medium Learning Resource of the Year 2023 from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. 

Cynog’s research examines Welsh language use across communities, healthcare, the third sector, and the economy. His findings are frequently referenced in key Welsh Government policies, including Cymraeg 2050: A Million Welsh Speakers. Recently, his focus has shifted to the digital domain and the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for minority languages. He currently serves on the UniNet (NPLD) working group on AI and Minority Languages and previously co-chaired the Language Rights group within the European network Language in the Human-Machine Era. 

An active researcher, Cynog secures substantial external funding. In 2024, he was awarded an ARFOR Challenge Fund grant to develop a Bilingual Workforce Recruitment Toolkit to support Welsh-speaking communities and employers. He also delivers commissioned research for major bodies like the Welsh Language Commissioner, Welsh Government, BBC Cymru, and S4C. 

Dedicated to modern pedagogy, Cynog acts as lead and co-supervisor for numerous PhD projects investigating AI in education, workplace language acquisition, and digital apps. He heavily integrates digital technologies into his own Welsh-medium teaching to enrich the student experience. He is also a prominent public communicator, having appeared over 40 times on BBC Radio Cymru and S4C to discuss social change, digital culture, and the future of the Welsh language. 

Dr Fernando Loizides is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Computer Science and Informatics at Cardiff University and the Director of the Data Science Academy, UK. He also holds an Honorary Professorship at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. His primary area of research and development focuses on Information Interaction and user experience (UX), with a specific emphasis on Decision Making and Accessibility. He possesses extensive experience in user study design, cutting-edge technology facilitation, user requirements elicitation, systems evaluation, and working systems development. 

Research 

A widely published academic, Fernando has contributed to internationally leading journals and conferences, earning multiple accolades including best conference paper awards and a Google Excellence in Research Award. He has also secured and completed numerous EU and nationally funded projects, edited several books and proceedings, and successfully supervised multiple PhD candidates to graduation. 

Fernando frequently chairs conferences and serves as an editor and reviewer for world-leading publications. His leadership extends to key academic committees, including serving as an expert member of the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) TC-13 Human-Computer Interaction Group, where they received an Award for Outstanding Contribution. Additionally, he has been actively involved in the foundational creation of three state-of-the-art Computer Science research laboratories. 

Teaching & Industry 

Fernando is an enthusiastic and experienced educator who lectures cohorts ranging from 10 to 300 students annually, consistently receiving excellent feedback. He has designed and established new undergraduate and postgraduate modules and curricula that are now permanently adopted by their departments. His educational impact has been recognised when he was voted the Most Innovative Lecturer Award by students and the CATE Award from the Higher Education Academy. 

Complementing his academic career, Fernando brings over 15 years of industry experience as a developer, during which he has earned multiple industry accolades for innovation and technical excellence. 

Andrew Beirne is the Director of our EPIC (economy) at BIT, leading our consumer & business team and our jobs, equality, diversity & inclusion team.

Prior to joining BIT, Andrew spent his career as a UK policymaker and diplomat, working at the intersection of economics, delivery and international policy. He has been posted to Russia, Taiwan and, most recently, Thailand, and has represented the UK in the UN, the G7 and the G20. In the UK, Andrew’s roles have included leading government strategy on nuclear power and on economics and trade, as well as heading the World Bank team. A consistent thread of Andrew’s work has been partnering with governments to deliver policy reform through technical assistance programmes focused on economics, sustainability and finance. These often integrated behavioural insights and interventions.

Andrew recently completed the Executive MSc programme in Behavioural Science at LSE, during which he focused on AI and public policy.

Kat Excell leads the development and delivery of TBI’s AI products for government, managing a cross-functional team of data scientists and AI engineers from concept to deployment. Kat’s previous experience includes building digital services, products and strategies for the UK public sector and charities such as Shelter UK and Amnesty International