Finding My Community Through the Local Government Service Design Network

When I first became part of the Local Government Service Design Network, I didn’t fully realise how much of an impact it would have on me, both professionally and personally. What started as a simple way to connect with people in similar roles has become something much bigger: a place to learn, contribute, share practice, and feel part of a wider service design community across local government.

Contributing to the Design in Local Government Playbook

One of the most rewarding opportunities I’ve had through the network has been joining a subgroup working on the Design in Local Government Playbook. Being part of this work has given me the chance to help co-create something that can genuinely support others. The playbook is about sharing knowledge, experience and practical guidance with the wider local government community, drawing on what service designers are already doing in councils and public services.

Collaborating on the playbook has shown me the power of collective effort. When people from different councils, roles and backgrounds come together, you create something much richer than any one organisation could produce alone.

It has also helped me reflect on my own practice. Through the process of sharing examples, discussing approaches and listening to others, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how service design is being used across local government, and how much we can learn from one another.

Presenting at SDinGov 2026 in Edinburgh

A real highlight of this journey was attending SDinGov in Edinburgh alongside Elsa, Danielle and Vicky, three other service designers I met through the network. Together, we delivered a session on co-creating the Design in Local Government Playbook. Presenting as a group made the experience even more special. It felt like a reflection of everything the network stands for: collaboration, support and shared purpose. The event itself was inspiring. There was huge interest in the playbook, and it was fantastic to see how eager people were to share knowledge, ask questions and learn from one another. It really showed how much appetite there is across local government for better, more connected ways of working.

Learning and growing together

One of the most valuable things about the network has been the opportunity to learn from others.

Service design in local government can sometimes feel quite niche. It can also feel as though you are working in a bit of a bubble within your own organisation. Being part of this network has opened up a space where people openly share their experiences, challenges and ideas.

Through conversations, meetups and collaboration, I’ve gained insights I would not have found elsewhere. It is not just about developing skills, although that is important. It is also about understanding different perspectives, different councils, and different ways of approaching similar challenges.

Feeling part of something bigger

Beyond the learning, the network has given me a real sense of belonging. I’ve met other service designers who are passionate about improving services and making local government work better for people. Over time, those connections have turned into meaningful professional relationships, and friendships.

That sense of community has helped me step outside my comfort zone. Being surrounded by supportive, like-minded people makes it easier to get involved, share ideas and take on new opportunities.

Looking back, I can’t quite believe how many opportunities have come from being part of the network: joining a working group, contributing to the playbook, presenting at a national event, and building strong professional connections across local government.

Most importantly, it has helped me grow in confidence. Taking part in these experiences has encouraged me to say yes to things I might previously have hesitated to do.

Why join the network?

For me, the Local Government Service Design Network has been much more than a professional group. It has been a catalyst for growth, connection and opportunity. It is a place where service designers can learn from each other, contribute to shared resources, and feel part of something bigger than their own organisation.

If you are working in service design in local government, or in a role connected to design, digital, transformation or improvement, I would really encourage you to get involved. The network is a space to share what you are doing, learn from others, and help build the future of service design in local government together.

If there is one thing I have taken away from this experience, it is the importance of community. When people come together with a shared purpose, incredible things can happen — not just for services, but for the people designing them too.