In this “coffee and a chat” session, Matt Stanley speaks with Richard Appiah, Head of Data Strategy for the Migration and Border System at the Home Office.

Richard shares what it’s like working across such a broad and complex landscape, covering everything from immigration enforcement to borders, asylum, passports and visas, and why data underpins it all.

They discuss:

• why strong data foundations are critical, especially when it comes to AI
• the value of stepping outside your day to day role to learn from others
• how the Home Office is focusing its data efforts on the areas that will have the biggest impact
• why data isn’t just a technical responsibility, but something everyone plays a role in
• how data and digital need to work more closely together from the start

Richard also talks about why he keeps coming back to Think Digital events, from building his network to hearing how others are tackling similar challenges across government and industry.