UK Gov Camp 2026 was a major success for Birmingham City Council, bringing together hundreds of people from across local and central government for a full day of open, honest and practical discussion about improving public services.

The event took place on Saturday 17 January 2026 at Birmingham City Council House, running from 10:00 until 16:30, with the venue staying open for social conversations until 18:00. For the first time in its history, UK Gov Camp came to Birmingham, opening the event up to new voices and highlighting the city’s growing role in digital innovation.

Unlike a traditional conference, UK Gov Camp is an unconference. There are no slides, no formal presentations and no pre‑set agenda. After a welcome, attendees pitch ideas they want to explore, and the room votes on where each session should take place. A session grid is built in real time and people are encouraged to move freely between discussions — a core principle known as the law of mobility.

This format creates a friendly, inclusive and highly interactive environment. Participants meet as equals, regardless of grade or role, and are encouraged to explore challenges openly and share practical solutions.

Reflecting on the event, Katy Fox said:

“UK Gov Camp is a brilliant example of how collaboration and openness can drive real change in public services. Hosting this event at Birmingham City Council reflects our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and working together to create better outcomes for citizens. It’s inspiring to see so many passionate people come together to share ideas and shape the future of local government.”

From start to finish, the day highlighted the value of bringing people together to think, discuss and problem‑solve in a relaxed and collaborative setting. For Birmingham City Council, hosting UK Gov Camp reinforced its commitment to innovation and its role at the heart of digital public‑sector leadership.