Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Civil Service Live?
Civil Service Live is the annual conference and learning events for all those in the Civil Service and wider Public Service.
Where and when is Civil Service Live?
This year’s Civil Service Live will take place across multiple locations throughout 2026 and 2027. All dates and locations can be viewed on the Dates and Locations page here.
What are the key themes for 2026?
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.
Who organises Civil Service Live?
Civil Service Live is delivered through a partnership between Cabinet Office and Total Events.
When will registration open for Civil Service Live 2026?
Registration for the events taking place in June and July 2026 will open in April. Registration for the events taking place from Autumn 2026 through to Spring 2027 will open six weeks ahead of each regional event and will be promoted in Civil Service News. If you want to be contacted as soon as registration opens for your local event, please register for Civil Service Live alerts.
Can I attend Civil Service Live in more than one city?
The intention is that civil servants attend only one of the Civil Service Live events, however, as the event is free to attend to all those who work in the Civil Service you are welcome to attend more than one event if your business unit supports your request.
If you aren’t able to attend the event in person, content from the events running from September 2026 to May 2027 will be available to join remotely, or watch on demand after the events.
What happens if I don't receive my email confirmation for my sessions?
Please double check your spam and junk inboxes, if you have still not received an email please let us know by emailing [email protected] and a member of the team will assist you.
If I am from outside the Civil Service, how can I exhibit or get to speak at Civil Service Live?
Yes, there are a small number of stands and speaking opportunities for the private sector. Please head to the Get Involved page to find out more about how you can be involved with Civil Service Live.
How can I volunteer at Civil Service Live?
Civil Service Live can only happen with the assistance of our wonderful volunteers! With thousands of civil servants expected to attend each of the events, we need the help of some enthusiastic volunteers on the day. Head to the Get Involved – Volunteer page to find out about the exciting roles and how you can register to volunteer today.
Is catering provided at the events?
There will be catering points throughout each venue where you can purchase refreshments. Water will be supplied free of charge. All venues are based within city centres where cafes and shops can be easily located should you need to find lunch outside the venue itself.
Are the venues accessible?
Yes, we make sure that all the venues we hold Civil Service Live in are accessible, inclusive and meet the legal requirements.
Can I book my sessions in advance?
Yes, you will be able to book sessions at the time of registration. If you find you cannot attend the sessions, please log back in and cancel these to make your place available to someone on the waiting list. We would recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to the session beginning.
Does my attendance at Civil Service Live count towards my one of my five learning days a year?
Yes, Civil Service Live counts towards your five days’ learning per year.
Will my data be shared, if so, who with?
Your data will be processed and stored in accordance with our privacy notice.
Will Civil Service Live pay civil servants' T and S fees to attend?
The venues have been chosen to be easily, and cost effectively, accessed using public transport. All travel costs should be claimed from your local budget and are subject to line manager approval.
Will I be able to ask questions and share my views on sessions?
Yes, most sessions will have an audience engagement tool which will allow you to post questions, up-vote other people’s questions that you want to hear answers to, answer polls and chat about the topic. Contributions will always appear under your name.
If you don’t have access to a smart phone, we will have a roving microphone in the session room to allow questions from audience members.
I can't afford to have too many staff attend Civil Service Live, how do I ensure everyone in my team can benefit from the events?
We know that attending Civil Service Live will require time investment and would strongly encourage all staff to make use of the build-your-own programme to ensure their time at the event is thoroughly planned and they get the most out of the content on offer. Each session has been crafted to provide key messages and actions that attendees can take back to their colleagues. We’d encourage each attendee to present their learnings from the event back to their team, following their attendance at the event. Slides and session recordings will be made available to watch on demand from the live streamed regional roadshow sessions.
How is Civil Service Live supporting sustainability and the UK Government’s mandate to be carbon neutral by 2050?
Each year we review the locations of Civil Service Live to ensure we can reach and train as many civil servants as possible. This is also to ensure we are hosting these in convenient and central locations to reduce corporate travel as much as possible. Each of the venues selected are easily accessible by public transport in a bid to reduce the number of delegates taking cars or personal transport to the events.
The venues selected have sustainability policies in place including onsite recycling units, alternatives to single use plastic, sourcing local products for food offerings and ensuring plant based alternatives on the menu as standard.
We know that attending Civil Service Live will require time investment and would strongly encourage all staff to make use of the build-your-own programme to ensure their day is thoroughly planned and they get the most out of the events on offer. Each session has been crafted to provide key messages and actions that attendees can take back to their colleagues.
How much does it cost to attend Civil Service Live?
The event is FREE to attend for all civil servants and those who work for local authorities and the wider public service.
Contact Us
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+44 (0)20 7593 5669