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GovDev North 2026: Connecting the People Behind Government Technology

Software Development

Government

UCD

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Last week, more than 100 engineers and developers from across central and local government came together at Opencast HQ for GovDev North 2026, the northern edition of the Cross-Government Software Engineering Community's conference.

In this blog, Francis O'Brien, Senior Software Developer at Opencast, reflects on the day, sharing highlights from the sessions, the conversations that took place, and why communities like GovDev North are so important for supporting and connecting people across government technology teams.

I was privileged and proud to be given the opportunity to help Alex Coleman (Lead Developer at Active Travel England) and the organising committee from the Cross-Government Software Engineering Community in welcoming so many people to Opencast HQ (with the choice of bright yellow t-shirts for the facilitators definitely giving us a Minions vibe!).

Attendees chat and network during a conference break at Tapyard. In focus, a participant wearing a conference lanyard stands with folded arms speaking with others, while several attendees gather in the foreground and background. Indoor plants and venue signage are visible behind the group, creating an informal networking space.

It was fantastic to see so many people from all walks of government get together under one roof to share the work they are proud of, the knowledge they have gleaned from it and celebrate the positive impact that their work has had.

I’m passionate about how communities like this can develop and support people doing the tough job of building public digital services in the UK. This event was a perfect example of what a determined group of people who share those values can achieve. We came together to share knowledge, thoughts and feelings with our peers, and to break down silos.

Although many work in different departments or devolved areas, and as civil servants, contractors or consultants, we've shown we can leave those labels at the door to find common ground.

A great example of this was David Heath's (Head of Engineering Enablement, Government Digital Service) session on under-served and under-represented technical roles across government. He explored how stronger engineering governance can help raise standards and create more consistent ways of working, including through initiatives such as an Engineering Academy. It was an insightful discussion, and I'm looking forward to getting involved in CodeRetreat in the near future. 

A speaker in a yellow conference t-shirt stands on stage holding a microphone and presentation clicker while delivering a talk. A large blue presentation screen is visible in the background with partially visible text about a government engineering academy. The speaker is wearing a conference lanyard and is gesturing with both hands during the presentation.

A conference speaker presents on stage while holding a microphone and presentation clicker. A large projection screen displaying a technical diagram and presentation content forms the backdrop, with the speaker wearing a conference lanyard and addressing attendees during a session.

Chris Wright and Adam Conder (both HMRC) also gave an excellent insight into HMRC's shared platform approach, showing how a common set of tools and services can empower developers to build, scale and maintain critical public services more efficiently.

Lastly, it was great to get together in the "unconference" and have so many people share their thoughts on their day-to-day struggles with topics ranging from AI governance to the legacy and future of tools like the GDS Design System and Prototyping kit.

As the day drew to a close and attendees gathered for a few drinks in the September sunshine, there was a clear sense that GovDev North had struck a chord. The enthusiasm, ideas and conversations throughout the event left many hoping this would become a regular fixture in the calendar, bringing government technologists together again in the years ahead.

Aerial group photo of attendees gathered outside Tapyard, an industrial-style venue with a large “TAPYARD” sign above the entrance. Around 100 people wearing conference lanyards stand together in the courtyard on a sunny day, with surrounding office buildings and parked cars visible in the background.

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