Derek Alton
@derekalton.bsky.social
Community Insights Lead for Apolitical by day, Civic Punk by night. Passionate about helping make government work better. Obsessed with all things digital/open government and Public Sector Reform. Community Insights Lead for Apolitical
@bluesky.sboots.ca kicking ass and taking names to help launch this year Canadian Open Data and Govmaker Summit.
Sooo good as always Sean
Sooo good as always Sean
November 25, 2025 at 2:09 PM
@bluesky.sboots.ca kicking ass and taking names to help launch this year Canadian Open Data and Govmaker Summit.
Sooo good as always Sean
Sooo good as always Sean
Missing @bluesky.sboots.ca at this years @fwd50conf.bsky.social but Doug is rocking the boots button
November 3, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Missing @bluesky.sboots.ca at this years @fwd50conf.bsky.social but Doug is rocking the boots button
Check out this digital gov mixer on Nov. 5th. So excited to catch up with old friends to make new ones! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-co...
@robbutler.com @bluesky.sboots.ca can you use your magic to help spread the word through the GC space!
@robbutler.com @bluesky.sboots.ca can you use your magic to help spread the word through the GC space!
Digital Community Mixer / Rencontre de la communauté numérique
Networking event for all digital and digitally curious individuals / Activité de réseautage pour les passionnés et curieux du numérique!
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 24, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Check out this digital gov mixer on Nov. 5th. So excited to catch up with old friends to make new ones! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-co...
@robbutler.com @bluesky.sboots.ca can you use your magic to help spread the word through the GC space!
@robbutler.com @bluesky.sboots.ca can you use your magic to help spread the word through the GC space!
Reposted by Derek Alton
#ApoliticalDay was very good. I hope it expands to more people next year. Also some good shots of @edent.tel and @derekalton.bsky.social in this amongst others 😄.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNSm...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNSm...
Thank you for an amazing Apolitical Day 2025!
YouTube video by Apolitical
www.youtube.com
October 13, 2025 at 10:58 AM
#ApoliticalDay was very good. I hope it expands to more people next year. Also some good shots of @edent.tel and @derekalton.bsky.social in this amongst others 😄.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNSm...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNSm...
This week: thinking about what helps govs build innovation muscle, why AI assistants could change public service, and how we find agency again when hope feels thin.
🎬 Weeknotes: youtube.com/shorts/S3RAy...
#CivicPunks
🎬 Weeknotes: youtube.com/shorts/S3RAy...
#CivicPunks
Weeknotes Oct. 5 - Critical Capacities, AI Assistants & Finding Agency
YouTube video by Civic Punks
youtube.com
October 6, 2025 at 6:24 PM
This week: thinking about what helps govs build innovation muscle, why AI assistants could change public service, and how we find agency again when hope feels thin.
🎬 Weeknotes: youtube.com/shorts/S3RAy...
#CivicPunks
🎬 Weeknotes: youtube.com/shorts/S3RAy...
#CivicPunks
Reposted by Derek Alton
Work in or around the #PublicSector? Fancy a breakfast time natter, and optional co-working day?
The last 3 #OneTeamGov North #Manchester meetups of 2025 are on Tuesday:
🐝 21 October,
🐝 18 November,
🐝 16 December.
Sign up via www.eventbrite.com/o/hosted-by-...
The last 3 #OneTeamGov North #Manchester meetups of 2025 are on Tuesday:
🐝 21 October,
🐝 18 November,
🐝 16 December.
Sign up via www.eventbrite.com/o/hosted-by-...
September 30, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Work in or around the #PublicSector? Fancy a breakfast time natter, and optional co-working day?
The last 3 #OneTeamGov North #Manchester meetups of 2025 are on Tuesday:
🐝 21 October,
🐝 18 November,
🐝 16 December.
Sign up via www.eventbrite.com/o/hosted-by-...
The last 3 #OneTeamGov North #Manchester meetups of 2025 are on Tuesday:
🐝 21 October,
🐝 18 November,
🐝 16 December.
Sign up via www.eventbrite.com/o/hosted-by-...
Weeknotes Sept. 14 - Breaking bubbles and working in the open
Sorry, I know this is late, but here is my weeknote from last week.
Inspired by conversations with Thea Snow about breaking out of bubbles, and the weeknotes of the @gianduran.bsky.social
Check it out: youtube.com/shorts/_NFNg...
Sorry, I know this is late, but here is my weeknote from last week.
Inspired by conversations with Thea Snow about breaking out of bubbles, and the weeknotes of the @gianduran.bsky.social
Check it out: youtube.com/shorts/_NFNg...
Weeknotes Sept. 14 - Breaking bubbles and working in the open
YouTube video by Civic Punks
youtube.com
September 18, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Weeknotes Sept. 14 - Breaking bubbles and working in the open
Sorry, I know this is late, but here is my weeknote from last week.
Inspired by conversations with Thea Snow about breaking out of bubbles, and the weeknotes of the @gianduran.bsky.social
Check it out: youtube.com/shorts/_NFNg...
Sorry, I know this is late, but here is my weeknote from last week.
Inspired by conversations with Thea Snow about breaking out of bubbles, and the weeknotes of the @gianduran.bsky.social
Check it out: youtube.com/shorts/_NFNg...
🚨 New series launch: Briefing Room 🚨
In 3 minutes or less, I’ll be breaking down key works on government innovation.
First up: Sir Geoff Mulgan’s DOGE Done Better.
📺 Watch my short summary here: lnkd.in/ebzJxXcX
And don't forget to like and subscribe for more.
Full Article in Comments
In 3 minutes or less, I’ll be breaking down key works on government innovation.
First up: Sir Geoff Mulgan’s DOGE Done Better.
📺 Watch my short summary here: lnkd.in/ebzJxXcX
And don't forget to like and subscribe for more.
Full Article in Comments
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
September 15, 2025 at 10:00 PM
🚨 New series launch: Briefing Room 🚨
In 3 minutes or less, I’ll be breaking down key works on government innovation.
First up: Sir Geoff Mulgan’s DOGE Done Better.
📺 Watch my short summary here: lnkd.in/ebzJxXcX
And don't forget to like and subscribe for more.
Full Article in Comments
In 3 minutes or less, I’ll be breaking down key works on government innovation.
First up: Sir Geoff Mulgan’s DOGE Done Better.
📺 Watch my short summary here: lnkd.in/ebzJxXcX
And don't forget to like and subscribe for more.
Full Article in Comments
Reposted by Derek Alton
🚨 6PM, WED 24 September 🚨
Join us at the MoJ or online
* Dr Moira Nicolson & Holly Marquez "Failing Forward: Why Planning for AI Disasters Unlocks Breakthrough Innovation"
* Ben Sauer "Always Be Creating Clarity: Daily habits for strategic storytelling"
luma.com/sm09nslz
Please share! Thanks 🙏
Join us at the MoJ or online
* Dr Moira Nicolson & Holly Marquez "Failing Forward: Why Planning for AI Disasters Unlocks Breakthrough Innovation"
* Ben Sauer "Always Be Creating Clarity: Daily habits for strategic storytelling"
luma.com/sm09nslz
Please share! Thanks 🙏
TransformGov Talks : September 2025 · Luma
Dr Moira Nicolson, Lead Behavioural Scientist (Cabinet Office) and Honorary Research Fellow (UCL) plus Holly Marquez, Senior Behavioural Scientist, (Cabinet…
luma.com
September 15, 2025 at 1:29 PM
🚨 6PM, WED 24 September 🚨
Join us at the MoJ or online
* Dr Moira Nicolson & Holly Marquez "Failing Forward: Why Planning for AI Disasters Unlocks Breakthrough Innovation"
* Ben Sauer "Always Be Creating Clarity: Daily habits for strategic storytelling"
luma.com/sm09nslz
Please share! Thanks 🙏
Join us at the MoJ or online
* Dr Moira Nicolson & Holly Marquez "Failing Forward: Why Planning for AI Disasters Unlocks Breakthrough Innovation"
* Ben Sauer "Always Be Creating Clarity: Daily habits for strategic storytelling"
luma.com/sm09nslz
Please share! Thanks 🙏
Come join us and help grow the community of cool people doing cool stuff in government here in the uk
Would you like to help out with TGT?
We've had many great speakers and really good chat. To keep it going we need 1 or 2 people to join us. One evening a month at the MoJ, a 30 min weekly call and maybe an hour a week of actions. If you're interested email [email protected]. Thanks!
We've had many great speakers and really good chat. To keep it going we need 1 or 2 people to join us. One evening a month at the MoJ, a 30 min weekly call and maybe an hour a week of actions. If you're interested email [email protected]. Thanks!
September 12, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Come join us and help grow the community of cool people doing cool stuff in government here in the uk
Reposted by Derek Alton
🍺🍹🍷🥛 TGT Summer Drinks!! 🥛🍷🍹🍺
Join us at 6pm on Wednesday the 27th of August at the Buckingham Arms for the first TransformGov Talks Summer Drinks.
Network, chat and put the world to rights - we'd love you to join us.
lu.ma/sdzpnfl9
Join us at 6pm on Wednesday the 27th of August at the Buckingham Arms for the first TransformGov Talks Summer Drinks.
Network, chat and put the world to rights - we'd love you to join us.
lu.ma/sdzpnfl9
TransformGov Talks : Summer drinks · Luma
Join us in person for a casual summer evening catch-up and chance to socialise with your fellow government transformers.
lu.ma
August 4, 2025 at 4:42 PM
🍺🍹🍷🥛 TGT Summer Drinks!! 🥛🍷🍹🍺
Join us at 6pm on Wednesday the 27th of August at the Buckingham Arms for the first TransformGov Talks Summer Drinks.
Network, chat and put the world to rights - we'd love you to join us.
lu.ma/sdzpnfl9
Join us at 6pm on Wednesday the 27th of August at the Buckingham Arms for the first TransformGov Talks Summer Drinks.
Network, chat and put the world to rights - we'd love you to join us.
lu.ma/sdzpnfl9
Join Isabel Serval and I for @apolitical.bsky.social Scanning Club—fun, practical foresight for public servants.
🌍 Next one’s July 29, theme: Climate.
Watch the teaser: www.youtube.com/shorts/L5Md6...
Join us: apolitical.co/events/futur...
Hop into the community: apolitical.co/en/communiti...
🌍 Next one’s July 29, theme: Climate.
Watch the teaser: www.youtube.com/shorts/L5Md6...
Join us: apolitical.co/events/futur...
Hop into the community: apolitical.co/en/communiti...
Scanning the Future - Scanning Club Promo
YouTube video by Civic Punks
www.youtube.com
July 21, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Join Isabel Serval and I for @apolitical.bsky.social Scanning Club—fun, practical foresight for public servants.
🌍 Next one’s July 29, theme: Climate.
Watch the teaser: www.youtube.com/shorts/L5Md6...
Join us: apolitical.co/events/futur...
Hop into the community: apolitical.co/en/communiti...
🌍 Next one’s July 29, theme: Climate.
Watch the teaser: www.youtube.com/shorts/L5Md6...
Join us: apolitical.co/events/futur...
Hop into the community: apolitical.co/en/communiti...
Reposted by Derek Alton
A huge thank you to @antonioweiss.bsky.social & Defra's Becky Miller for great presentations at @transformgovtalks.bsky.social this week (on AI, and serious games and evidence/policymaking respectively) - catch up here medium.com/@transformgo...
We're back on Wed 16 July lu.ma/6hvitdyr
We're back on Wed 16 July lu.ma/6hvitdyr
Seventh event write up
Hi everyone,
medium.com
June 27, 2025 at 10:16 AM
A huge thank you to @antonioweiss.bsky.social & Defra's Becky Miller for great presentations at @transformgovtalks.bsky.social this week (on AI, and serious games and evidence/policymaking respectively) - catch up here medium.com/@transformgo...
We're back on Wed 16 July lu.ma/6hvitdyr
We're back on Wed 16 July lu.ma/6hvitdyr
While in South Africa for a friend’s wedding, I took time to learn about their public service. It shares a lot with Canada and the UK. Check out this quick explainer—including the fascinating Batho Pele white paper.
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbPZ...
What questions do you have about South Africa?
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbPZ...
What questions do you have about South Africa?
Public Sector Innovation in South Africa - A quick summary
YouTube video by Civic Punks
www.youtube.com
May 30, 2025 at 1:38 PM
While in South Africa for a friend’s wedding, I took time to learn about their public service. It shares a lot with Canada and the UK. Check out this quick explainer—including the fascinating Batho Pele white paper.
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbPZ...
What questions do you have about South Africa?
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbPZ...
What questions do you have about South Africa?
Reposted by Derek Alton
Exciting news! I'm launching my brand new online self-paced course very soon.
With videos, reading, and hands-on activities, learn how to identify, form, grow, and supercharge communities of practice in and across organisations.
Sign up now to receive a discount at launch tacit.pub/onlinecourse
With videos, reading, and hands-on activities, learn how to identify, form, grow, and supercharge communities of practice in and across organisations.
Sign up now to receive a discount at launch tacit.pub/onlinecourse
May 6, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Exciting news! I'm launching my brand new online self-paced course very soon.
With videos, reading, and hands-on activities, learn how to identify, form, grow, and supercharge communities of practice in and across organisations.
Sign up now to receive a discount at launch tacit.pub/onlinecourse
With videos, reading, and hands-on activities, learn how to identify, form, grow, and supercharge communities of practice in and across organisations.
Sign up now to receive a discount at launch tacit.pub/onlinecourse
Reposted by Derek Alton
The @publicdigital.bsky.social round-up email is excellent (I highly encourage people to subscribe) but it is frustrating that they don't publish an online version which means I can't share a link with all the great info with anyone.
April 28, 2025 at 11:31 PM
The @publicdigital.bsky.social round-up email is excellent (I highly encourage people to subscribe) but it is frustrating that they don't publish an online version which means I can't share a link with all the great info with anyone.
Reposted by Derek Alton
🚨 EVENT KLAXON! 🚨
The next @transformgovtalks.bsky.social event will be at the MoJ and online on Weds April 30th with the following great speakers.
* Catherine Day - cross-government participatory methods forum
* Cabinet Office Test, Learn and Grow team
Register here : lu.ma/c3wlyoz0
The next @transformgovtalks.bsky.social event will be at the MoJ and online on Weds April 30th with the following great speakers.
* Catherine Day - cross-government participatory methods forum
* Cabinet Office Test, Learn and Grow team
Register here : lu.ma/c3wlyoz0
TransformGov Talks : Fifth event · Luma
For our next event we have the following two excellent speakers.
Catherine Day, Cabinet Office, on the cross-government participatory methods forum
The Cabinet…
lu.ma
April 20, 2025 at 9:34 PM
🚨 EVENT KLAXON! 🚨
The next @transformgovtalks.bsky.social event will be at the MoJ and online on Weds April 30th with the following great speakers.
* Catherine Day - cross-government participatory methods forum
* Cabinet Office Test, Learn and Grow team
Register here : lu.ma/c3wlyoz0
The next @transformgovtalks.bsky.social event will be at the MoJ and online on Weds April 30th with the following great speakers.
* Catherine Day - cross-government participatory methods forum
* Cabinet Office Test, Learn and Grow team
Register here : lu.ma/c3wlyoz0
Reposted by Derek Alton
🚨 EVENT KLAXON! 🚨
The next @transformgovtalks.bsky.social event will be at the MoJ and online on Weds April 30th with the following great speakers.
* Catherine Day - cross-government participatory methods forum
* Cabinet Office Test, Learn and Grow team
Register here : lu.ma/c3wlyoz0
The next @transformgovtalks.bsky.social event will be at the MoJ and online on Weds April 30th with the following great speakers.
* Catherine Day - cross-government participatory methods forum
* Cabinet Office Test, Learn and Grow team
Register here : lu.ma/c3wlyoz0
TransformGov Talks : Fifth event · Luma
For our next event we have the following two excellent speakers.
Catherine Day, Cabinet Office, on the cross-government participatory methods forum
The Cabinet…
lu.ma
April 19, 2025 at 11:50 AM
🚨 EVENT KLAXON! 🚨
The next @transformgovtalks.bsky.social event will be at the MoJ and online on Weds April 30th with the following great speakers.
* Catherine Day - cross-government participatory methods forum
* Cabinet Office Test, Learn and Grow team
Register here : lu.ma/c3wlyoz0
The next @transformgovtalks.bsky.social event will be at the MoJ and online on Weds April 30th with the following great speakers.
* Catherine Day - cross-government participatory methods forum
* Cabinet Office Test, Learn and Grow team
Register here : lu.ma/c3wlyoz0
Reposted by Derek Alton
Kind comments here about a talk I gave at Transform Government about the NAO- the book the talked is based on is available here www.routledge.com/Holding-Gove...
April 4, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Kind comments here about a talk I gave at Transform Government about the NAO- the book the talked is based on is available here www.routledge.com/Holding-Gove...
My friend Oliver came to visit me from Berlin, he shares his takeaways from @henrymidgley.bsky.social talk at @transformgovtalks.bsky.social and the Global Government Innovation Forum.
www.youtube.com/shorts/WKcww...
www.youtube.com/shorts/WKcww...
When Berlin Meets London 🇩🇪🤝🇬🇧 | Public Sector Innovation Catch-Up
YouTube video by Civic Punks
www.youtube.com
April 4, 2025 at 2:46 PM
My friend Oliver came to visit me from Berlin, he shares his takeaways from @henrymidgley.bsky.social talk at @transformgovtalks.bsky.social and the Global Government Innovation Forum.
www.youtube.com/shorts/WKcww...
www.youtube.com/shorts/WKcww...
I’ve got a beef with government.
After visiting 💙BLUE GARAGE💙, I saw how often gov blocks the very projects it says it supports.
Risk-aversion. Red tape. Control over care.
Here’s my take on why it happens—and how we can do better.
🎥 youtube.com/shorts/03hw0...
After visiting 💙BLUE GARAGE💙, I saw how often gov blocks the very projects it says it supports.
Risk-aversion. Red tape. Control over care.
Here’s my take on why it happens—and how we can do better.
🎥 youtube.com/shorts/03hw0...
My Beef with Government 🐄 (and why it matters for your community)
YouTube video by Civic Punks
youtube.com
March 31, 2025 at 4:12 PM
I’ve got a beef with government.
After visiting 💙BLUE GARAGE💙, I saw how often gov blocks the very projects it says it supports.
Risk-aversion. Red tape. Control over care.
Here’s my take on why it happens—and how we can do better.
🎥 youtube.com/shorts/03hw0...
After visiting 💙BLUE GARAGE💙, I saw how often gov blocks the very projects it says it supports.
Risk-aversion. Red tape. Control over care.
Here’s my take on why it happens—and how we can do better.
🎥 youtube.com/shorts/03hw0...
Reposted by Derek Alton
What a wonderful chat today @derekalton.bsky.social.
- We talked Rekindling GC Communities & Networks.
- The positivity these networks brought to the table.
@supergovernance.bsky.social, Camille B, @natalyarar.bsky.social, Thom K, Hillary H, Robyn P, Stephanie G, Alexa I, James C and more!
- We talked Rekindling GC Communities & Networks.
- The positivity these networks brought to the table.
@supergovernance.bsky.social, Camille B, @natalyarar.bsky.social, Thom K, Hillary H, Robyn P, Stephanie G, Alexa I, James C and more!
March 26, 2025 at 5:02 PM
What a wonderful chat today @derekalton.bsky.social.
- We talked Rekindling GC Communities & Networks.
- The positivity these networks brought to the table.
@supergovernance.bsky.social, Camille B, @natalyarar.bsky.social, Thom K, Hillary H, Robyn P, Stephanie G, Alexa I, James C and more!
- We talked Rekindling GC Communities & Networks.
- The positivity these networks brought to the table.
@supergovernance.bsky.social, Camille B, @natalyarar.bsky.social, Thom K, Hillary H, Robyn P, Stephanie G, Alexa I, James C and more!
I will be there, hoping to see many of you as well!
🚨 EVENT KLAXON 🚨
Join us on Weds 26 March, in person (at MoJ) or online, and hear from:
- Henry Midgley on 'Holding Government to Account: Democracy and the NAO'
- Kirsty Innes, Labour Together, on digital ID
Sign up: lu.ma/h0ci1zdd
Kindly sponsored by dxw
Join us on Weds 26 March, in person (at MoJ) or online, and hear from:
- Henry Midgley on 'Holding Government to Account: Democracy and the NAO'
- Kirsty Innes, Labour Together, on digital ID
Sign up: lu.ma/h0ci1zdd
Kindly sponsored by dxw
TransformGov Talks : Fourth event · Luma
For our fourth event we have the following two excellent speakers.
Henry Midgley, Durham University, on Holding Government to Account: Democracy and the…
lu.ma
March 24, 2025 at 12:58 PM
I will be there, hoping to see many of you as well!
Reposted by Derek Alton
🚨 EVENT KLAXON 🚨
Join us on Weds 26 March, in person (at MoJ) or online, and hear from:
- Henry Midgley on 'Holding Government to Account: Democracy and the NAO'
- Kirsty Innes, Labour Together, on digital ID
Sign up: lu.ma/h0ci1zdd
Kindly sponsored by dxw
Join us on Weds 26 March, in person (at MoJ) or online, and hear from:
- Henry Midgley on 'Holding Government to Account: Democracy and the NAO'
- Kirsty Innes, Labour Together, on digital ID
Sign up: lu.ma/h0ci1zdd
Kindly sponsored by dxw
TransformGov Talks : Fourth event · Luma
For our fourth event we have the following two excellent speakers.
Henry Midgley, Durham University, on Holding Government to Account: Democracy and the…
lu.ma
March 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM
🚨 EVENT KLAXON 🚨
Join us on Weds 26 March, in person (at MoJ) or online, and hear from:
- Henry Midgley on 'Holding Government to Account: Democracy and the NAO'
- Kirsty Innes, Labour Together, on digital ID
Sign up: lu.ma/h0ci1zdd
Kindly sponsored by dxw
Join us on Weds 26 March, in person (at MoJ) or online, and hear from:
- Henry Midgley on 'Holding Government to Account: Democracy and the NAO'
- Kirsty Innes, Labour Together, on digital ID
Sign up: lu.ma/h0ci1zdd
Kindly sponsored by dxw
Reposted by Derek Alton
As a good friend I promised myself I would watch @derekalton.bsky.social 's 45 minute interview with @ryanandrosoff.bsky.social on what happened to the Canadian government's digital transformation efforts.
You know what? It was really good! You should watch it too.
You know what? It was really good! You should watch it too.
How Did Canada’s Digital Government Ranking Collapse? A Conversation with Ryan Androsoff
When Ryan entered the federal public service in Canada, it was ranked 3rd in the UN's E-Government world rankings. Now, we are ranked 47th. What happened? I ...
buff.ly
March 8, 2025 at 12:57 PM
As a good friend I promised myself I would watch @derekalton.bsky.social 's 45 minute interview with @ryanandrosoff.bsky.social on what happened to the Canadian government's digital transformation efforts.
You know what? It was really good! You should watch it too.
You know what? It was really good! You should watch it too.