Welcome to Civil Service Live
Civil Service Live is the UK government’s annual staff learning and development conference, bringing together thousands of civil servants from across departments, professions and regions. The events are designed to allow civil servants to engage with other civil servants, listen to thought-provoking sessions, and hear from inspiring people sharing their experiences, knowledge and expertise.
Civil Service Live is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the excellent work of civil servants across the UK and around the world who are delivering brilliant public service supporting citizens each and every day. It’s our chance to share our stories of how we all serve with purpose and pride.
Civil Service is back for the 2026-2027 tour!
Civil Service Live dates and locations
Exhibition, volunteering and speaking opportunities are now open!
Event content will be delivered through five themes:
Skills for the future:
The challenges we face are evolving, and so must our capabilities. This theme looks ahead to the skills civil servants will need to deliver effectively in a changing world—from digital literacy and data fluency to adaptive leadership and cross-functional collaboration. We’ll explore how continuous learning can become a cornerstone of our professional identity.
Adopting AI:
Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work and serve the public. This theme will demystify AI and explore its responsible application in government, from improving efficiency to enhancing public services. We’ll examine how to harness these tools ethically and effectively while maintaining the human judgment and accountability that underpin the Civil Service Code.
Taking risk:
Great public service requires courage. This theme explores how to move beyond a culture of caution towards one where well-judged risks are encouraged and supported. We’ll discuss how to create psychological safety for innovation, learn from what doesn’t work, and build the confidence to try new approaches in pursuit of better outcomes for citizens.
Developing high performing teams:
Exceptional delivery depends on exceptional teams. This theme focuses on building diverse, skilled teams where talent is nurtured and everyone can contribute their best. We’ll explore what distinguishes high-performing teams, how to foster collaboration across boundaries, and how investing in capability strengthens our collective ability to deliver the government’s missions.
Creating a positive culture for change:
Sustainable transformation requires more than new processes—it demands a shift in mindset. This theme examines how to build an environment where change is embraced rather than resisted, where staff feel empowered to challenge the status quo, and where continuous improvement becomes embedded in how we work.
The aims of Civil Service Live are to:
EDUCATE
staff about how their work contributes to government missions
ENGAGE
staff in strengthening their commitment to public service and the Civil Service Code
EMPOWER
staff to take calculated risks, collaborate across boundaries, and champion Mission-driven Government
What is Civil Service Live?
Keynote addresses from the Cabinet Secretary, Civil Service Chief Operating Officer, Permanent Secretaries and senior leaders
One-to-one spot mentoring sessions with leaders from across the Civil Service
Q&A opportunities with Senior Civil Servants and subject matter experts
Inspiring sessions on the five theme and aims
Sessions from the largest professions across government
Workshops and seminars aimed at all grades and professions
Speed networking sessions
50-80 public and private sector exhibitors at each flagship event
Live streamed content from our regional roadshow events
