Partnering for impact: shaping a digital civil service
Building a modern, inclusive civil service starts with engaging and inspiring people to consider digital careers in government. As demand grows for a digitally skilled workforce across the public sector, we are focused on reaching new audiences and encouraging people from all backgrounds to pursue rewarding careers in digital and data. As part of the government’s blueprint for modern digital government, where one in ten civil servants will work in digital and data roles, strategic partnerships and outreach are essential. They help us reach underrepresented communities, demystify digital careers, and position the Civil Service as a place where diverse talent can thrive.
Our partnership with Colorintech, Europe’s leading not-for-profit focused on increasing access for ethnic minorities in tech, is an important part of this mission. Through joint initiatives like the Progress in Public webinar series and our presence at Black Tech Fest 2025, we’ve shared the breadth of digital opportunities in government and connected with thousands of individuals at different stages of their careers. These efforts are helping to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and supports the Civil Service’s transformation into a digitally skilled, future-ready organisation.
This partnership was shaped and delivered by colleagues across government, including Ajoa Akuamoah, Marwa Ali, Catherine Charlery, and Ashleigh Alexander, who led its strategic direction and coordinated key activities. Volunteers from across the digital profession also played a vital role, sharing their experiences and helping bring civil service digital careers to life.
Progress in public: demystifying digital careers
Throughout September, we ran a three-part webinar series featuring speakers from across government departments. Each session focused on a different aspect of digital careers, including:
- career journeys and day-to-day insights
- panel discussions on areas such as AI, cybersecurity and data
interactive Q&A using Slido polls and open questions
All the webinars scored an impressive 9/10 for overall experience, with 100% of attendees saying they would recommend the Civil Service as an employer. Additionally, 95% said they learned something new, and the sessions were rated highly for relevance to attendees’ career goals.
We’ve already seen direct impact, with attendees applying for roles such as Associate Data Scientist and Junior Software Developer. The series has proven to be a powerful tool in showcasing the Civil Service as a modern, inclusive employer.
Engaging talent at Black Tech Fest
At Black Tech Fest 2025, we proudly showcased the Government Digital and Data Profession, engaging with over 3,500 attendees and highlighting the breadth of digital opportunities available across the Civil Service. Our stand became a hub for curiosity and ambition, with 92% of visitors telling us they were more likely to consider a digital role in government after speaking with us.
A significant 60% of those we spoke to were early in their careers (0–2 years), while 31% were at a mid or senior career stage. This diversity of experience reflects the broad appeal of digital government roles and our commitment to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with comments such as “great interaction” and “appreciated the information on a variety of roles.”
We were also pleased to see our Government Chief Technology Officer, David Knott, take part in a panel discussion on building products for scale. His involvement showcased the impact of digital leadership across government and highlighted the scale of the services we design and operate.
Reflections
Our partnership with Colorintech has shown the power of collaboration in reaching new audiences and reshaping perceptions of digital careers in government. Through the Progress in Public webinar series and our presence at Black Tech Fest, we connected with thousands of individuals, many from underrepresented backgrounds, who may not have previously considered the Civil Service as a career destination.
Having David Knott speak on the building products for scale panel added visibility and credibility, demonstrating that impactful digital work happens across government every day.
These activities are helping reshape perceptions of the civil service by sharing real stories, offering practical guidance and showing that government is an inclusive, forward-looking employer for digital talent.
We’re excited to build on this momentum, continuing to engage communities, share best practice, and grow a digital workforce that reflects the society we serve.
Get involved
The Civil Service is on a journey to become more inclusive, digitally skilled, and representative of the communities we serve. Our partnership with Colorintech and presence at Black Tech Fest have shown the impact of connecting with diverse talent through authentic engagement.
We are inviting colleagues from across government to support future outreach.
Whether you're a developer, designer, policy expert or data specialist, your story could inspire someone to take their first step into a digital career. Volunteering for outreach, speaking at events, or supporting early talent activities are all ways to help build a stronger, more inclusive profession.
Ready to get involved?
Email us at digitaldatacapability@dsit.gov.uk to explore opportunities to support outreach and inspire the next generation of digital leaders.
View our Government Digital and Data careers website, where you can explore current opportunities and learn more about our programmes.
Leave a comment