Guidance

GDS Events

Published 23 January 2025

Date	Event	Detail	Registration
31 January 2024 - 2:00pm to 2:45pm	Introduction to Data Visualisation	Modern data visualisation tools have got a lot more to offer than the X and Y axis graphs we are all familiar with. And they don’t just look pretty. Far from it, they offer us a way to translate masses of data into a relatable image and help us make data driven decisions: something each civil servant should be familiar with.  Join us for an expert-led presentation that will show off the power of data visualisation and introduce some tools you may not yet be familiar with.  This session will be presented by Matt Lyon, Deputy Director of Analysis in Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) with time allocated for questions and answers at the end.	Register here
(ongoing)	Introduction to content design course on Future Learn	The course is designed for people who are new to content design in government, or are interested in learning more about the profession. The principles and ideas covered will also be useful for anyone who would like to learn more about how to: - communicate information clearly - make content inclusive and accessible You can read more on the Design in Government blog.	The 4-week online course will be available from 10 April and you can register now.
-	Innovation masterclass  New format: Select a day that suits and learn with a small group of peers from different departments; or study online at your pace.	Being Innovative is a skill that the Modern Civil Service requires from all its Senior Leaders, but more importantly, this is a skill you can learn.  The Innovation Masterclass course breaks down the art of innovation into small steps that can be applied to your future projects; it is also teaching how to evaluate ideas and pitch solutions. You will also learn how to combat a disconnect between policy, operations and delivery; and scale up your solutions. This short 6-10 hours course can be either studied online at your own pace or in a small cohort of peers on a day of your choice.	Senior Civil Servants across all government departments are invited to apply
-	Digital Excellence Programme (DEP) for Senior Civil Servants (SCS)	Tomorrow’s government won’t run on yesterday’s technology and the leaders who get us there should be comfortable using data and digital tools to make a difference. This is why the government asks all Senior Civil Servants to learn how to build digital, data and user-centred culture in their area of responsibility. And the best way of doing it is the Digital Excellence Programme (DEP) that is now offered at no cost to individuals.  Built by the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) and Government Skills and Curriculum Unit in partnership with Apolitical, EY and the London School of Economics, this programme will give you all you need to lead the digital change before the change leaves you behind. The DEP includes four online courses that are between 2 and 5 hours long and can be completed at your own pace.	Please ask your Department’s Learning & Development lead how to enrol or email scs-upskilling@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk for more information.
Wed 12th March 2025 10am-3pm	Accessibility Community face to face meetup	The cross public sector accessibility communities meeting: talks, a workshop and networking  The Garage in the White Chapel Building, GDS	To be confirmed
Thursday 6th March 10am - 4pm	Pillar Event for our first year Digital Fast Streamers	This event is designed for first-year Digital and Cyber Fast Streamers with the aim of helping them make an informed decision about which profession: Digital or Cyber, they wish to pursue by the end of their first year. The event provides participants with the opportunity to engage with subject matter experts (SMEs) from both fields, ask questions, and gain insights into the skills and career paths available within each profession.	Only first-year Digital and Cyber Fast Streamers are eligible to sign up for the event using this survey link