Published: February 10, 2026 at 7:13 am
One of the most important figures in Greater Manchester’s digital sector is to leave his role this week.
After eight years at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Phil Swan will be leaving his post as director of digital on February 13th.
He’ll be taking up a new position at Government Digital Service (GDS) as the director with responsibility for GDS Local, service standards, inclusive digital design, and pan‑Government digital capability.
GDS local is a new unit within the Government Digital Service (GDS) that brings central and local government together to deliver the ambitions set out in the blueprint for a modern digital government.
Swan said: “It’s been a real privilege to lead digital services at GMCA and help shape and deliver on the Greater Manchester Digital Blueprint. I’m hugely proud of what we’ve achieved, but even more proud of the collaborative, can‑do way Greater Manchester works. It’s a special place.”