Mark Smith has been promoted to lead the government’s high-performance digital network for public-sector organisations, the Public Services Network.

Smith was previously the Government Digital Service’s head of Public Services Network compliance.

In his new role as head PSN, Smith will work with teams across the digital service, in particular the common technology services team tasked with delivering products and solutions that can be shared across the entire public sector.

Announcing the appointment, GDS deputy chief technology officer Andy Beale said he expected Smith to further expand the PSN’s reach. 

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“Mark started working in the PSN team in 2014,” he said. 

“He was at the centre of the well-received compliance changes and a key factor in the successful transition of the public sector community. 

“He’s also been the go-to-guy for the PSN stakeholder community, where he’s provided advice and guidance to colleagues and built strong relationships across the public sector.

“He is ideally placed to continue the development of the PSN into a network that will bring together a far broader community and help connect those people who can really make a difference at the front line.”

The PSN is used by government departments, more than 300 local  authorities, plus schools, health services and third-sector organisations.