Sam Smith has been appointed director the soon-to-launch Socitm Inspire institute.
The Society for Innovation, Technology and Modernisation in public services said that Smith, its immediate past president, will start in the role on 17 July.
She is currently assistant director of customer and digital services for Cambridgeshire County Council and assistant director of digital and data services for Peterborough City Council.
The move will align with the launch of the institute, which will take over Socitm’s activities in areas such as leadership development, research and benchmarking. Smith will oversee its development and contribution to the society’s strategic direction.
The move is part of a broader change in which Socitm plans to become a registered charity.
Smith commented: “My own development with Socitm has parallels with the journey we are on as a society through the institute. I am proud to take this leadership role and contribute to Socitm’s ongoing success.”
She added: “We are creating a powerful community that connects local leaders, policymakers, and practitioners not just from local authorities but also other public bodies and private partners, so we can learn from each other. Our members tell us they come for the content but stay for this community.”
