CGPN 2026 Agenda - Why Attend - Workforce & Capability

Government is moving from AI ambition to delivery; but the real challenge is applying technology effectively to complex, real-world problems. The No.10 Innovation Fellowship tackles this by embedding world-class technical talent into priority challenges across Whitehall, accelerating progress and delivering tangible outcomes at pace. In this keynote, Eoin Mulgrew is joined by one of the Fellows to bring this model to life. Blending strategic insight with a live case study, they will share what it takes to move from concept to impact; including what works, what doesn’t, and the barriers that remain. This session offers senior leaders a view from the frontline of transformation, providing a tangible, proven model for delivering AI-enabled change across government.

Despite efforts to reform, central government still operates largely in departmental silos, limiting opportunities to deliver joined-up, efficient systems. With pressure mounting to do more with less, 2026 marks a shift toward converged operating models and cross-government collaboration. Yet barriers remain around data-sharing, supplier management and investment decisions. This session brings together leaders to explore how government can move from isolated initiatives to a system-wide approach. What practical steps would enable data sharing and align strategy across departments? 

• How can government overcome cultural and organisational barriers to effective data sharing?
• What does a realistic, joined-up operating model look like across departments?
• How can shared services reduce duplication while respecting departmental autonomy? 

Government has talked about building digital capability for years, yet many departments continue to be heavily reliant on contractors. As transformation accelerates, a critical question emerges: is government building sustainable capability, or outsourcing its future? Despite growing investment, skills gaps persist, digital literacy remains uneven, and competition with the private sector continues to intensify. At the same time, expectations of the civil service are rising to build sustainable, in-house capability and foster cultures that embrace digital change. This panel explores how government can move from short-term resourcing fixes to long-term capability, aligning workforce strategy with transformation goals.

• Where should departments prioritise investment to build high-impact, in-house data and digital capability?
• How can government reduce reliance on contractors without slowing delivery?
• How do we scale meaningful digital literacy across the civil service?
• How can leaders evolve culture, career pathways, and incentives to retain talent?