Carl Long

Background

About Carl Long

I help organisations navigate the intersection of technology innovation, practical implementation, and sensible governance—turning digital possibilities into real business value while managing risk appropriately. With three decades spanning private sector technology sales and public sector delivery, I understand both sides of the procurement relationship. I've been the "poacher" driving ambitious technology sales across Europe and globally, and now I'm the "gamekeeper" helping public sector organisations adopt innovation safely and effectively. What I Do: Currently at Crown Commercial Service, I'm embedding AI and innovation into software procurement frameworks, leveraging the flexibility of the Procurement Act 2023. As an AI Champion across Cabinet Office, I advocate for practical testing and implementation approaches that balance innovation with appropriate guardrails. What Drives Me: I believe in making technology work for people, not forcing people to adapt to technology. Whether implementing systems for PricewaterhouseCoopers across Europe in the 1990s or helping Civil Service departments understand AI today, my approach is consistent: understand the real need first, then apply the right tools to deliver value. My Unique Perspective: I bridge multiple worlds:* Private and public sector – understanding commercial drivers and public service values * Technology and business strategy – translating technical capability into organisational benefit * Policy and practice – developing frameworks that enable rather than block innovation * Inclusion and technology – using lived experience of disability to drive accessible tech adoption Career Evolution: From European Financial Controller at 21, through pioneering web-based applications globally, opening international offices, winning against market leaders, to now applying that commercial expertise to public service. I've evolved from mainframes to cloud, from back-office tools to real-time business platforms, and from solely profit-driven to impact-focused work. Why Disability Inclusion Matters: As someone who is deaf and manages cerebellar damage, I actively champion disability inclusion through my organisation’s Able Network and the Civil Service Network for Deaf & Hard of Hearing. I work with departments like HMRC and DWP to promote assisted technology, demonstrating how AI and digital tools can support neurodiversity and accessibility—making technology work for everyone. I'm passionate about removing the adversarial "us versus them" dynamic between public sector organisations and technology suppliers.