UKGovCamp2025

UKGovCamp is the unconference for people interested in how the public sector does digital stuff. Held annually, it's a free, participant-led event that brings together professionals from government, local councils, NGOs, academia, tech companies, and the wider civic community to share ideas, experiences, and challenges around digital transformation in public services.

Unlike traditional conferences, UKGovCamp has no formal agenda. Attendees shape the day by pitching sessions in the morning—ranging from policy design and digital inclusion to open data, service design, and AI in government. The focus is on collaboration, openness, and innovation, making it a key date in the calendar for anyone passionate about improving public services through technology and better ways of working.

Key themes include:

  • Digital service delivery

  • User-centred design

  • Data transparency

  • Agile and lean approaches in government

  • Cross-sector collaboration

Who it's for: Civil servants, developers, designers, policy folks, community organisers, and anyone working to make public services better.

Motto: “No spectators, only participants.”

Learn more: https://ukgovcamp.com

Our experience at UKGovCamp2025

Real empowerment within the UK’s ethnic minority communities begins with having a seat at the table where decisions are made. It is only through meaningful participation in policy-making processes that we shift from being passive recipients of decisions to becoming active architects of the systems that govern our lives. When we engage in conversations about governance, representation, and reform, we assert not only our presence but also our power.

The policies that shape education, justice, health, housing, and economic opportunity affect us deeply. That’s why inclusive and diverse voices in policy spaces are not optional but essential. Without our input, the solutions developed may miss the mark or, worse, perpetuate inequity. But when we contribute our lived experiences, insights, and ideas, we lay the groundwork for policies that truly serve all communities, not just the majority.

In January, AWWATF proudly attended UKGovCamp2025 at the Ministry of Justice in London—a dynamic, collaborative space where public sector innovators come together to reimagine how government can work better for everyone. As a social enterprise committed to equity, inclusion, and social impact, we believe spaces like UKGovCamp are where transformation starts.

Throughout the day, critical themes were explored—the kind of discussions that shape not only public policy but also the lived experiences of our communities. These included:

  • The impact of artificial intelligence on service delivery and bias in data

  • Trauma-informed design in workplace and community settings

  • Improving public perceptions of government services

  • Building reality-based architectural frameworks to support better decision-making

  • Strategies for getting more people into civic tech

  • Helping senior leaders understand the importance of high-quality data to ensure ethical and effective AI use

These are not abstract concepts; they are deeply tied to how our communities are seen, served, and supported. When we are absent from these conversations, we risk being left out of the systems that are rapidly evolving around us. But when we are present—bringing our expertise, lived experience, and vision—we shape a future that includes and uplifts us.

If we’re serious about addressing inequality and building better systems, we must show up. We must speak up. And we must stay engaged. Our absence only allows the status quo to go unchallenged—but our presence is a catalyst for real, lasting change.

As we look to the future, we encourage you to join us at the next UKGovCamp. The conversations happening there matter. And your voice—our voice—is not only welcome, it’s needed.

Gallery

Pictures from UKGovCamp 2025 Edition January, 18, 2025