James Kemp
@jamesmkemp.bsky.social
Public servant, delivering change mostly. Have worked in many departments. Based in Scotland. #GovPDC Explorer Scout Leader, sometimes gamer & writer
Pinned
James Kemp
@jamesmkemp.bsky.social
· Jan 20
Beware #imposters, although the first duplicate was deleted, there are more clones of this account out there.
I only have this account with these details (there's a completely differently named non-work account), and there are no numbers in my username.
I only have this account with these details (there's a completely differently named non-work account), and there are no numbers in my username.
On my way to Edinburgh for "Lit By Another Sun" my first full #megagame design to run.
Almost all of it is in one huge box in my boot. This is going to be chaos, but the fun sort of chaos!
www.tickettailor.com/events/truen...
Almost all of it is in one huge box in my boot. This is going to be chaos, but the fun sort of chaos!
www.tickettailor.com/events/truen...
Buy tickets – Lit By Another Sun – Edinburgh Quaker House
Lit By Another Sun – Edinburgh Quaker House, Sat 22 Nov 2025 - Lit By Another Sun
A megagame of space colonists and murky factions
A realistic Sci-Fi game about establishing a new human Colony in th...
www.tickettailor.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:32 AM
On my way to Edinburgh for "Lit By Another Sun" my first full #megagame design to run.
Almost all of it is in one huge box in my boot. This is going to be chaos, but the fun sort of chaos!
www.tickettailor.com/events/truen...
Almost all of it is in one huge box in my boot. This is going to be chaos, but the fun sort of chaos!
www.tickettailor.com/events/truen...
I can report that I'm out of the house with shoes on for the first time in a week, even though I have actually spent more time outside my house than in it in the last week!
November 22, 2025 at 7:29 AM
I can report that I'm out of the house with shoes on for the first time in a week, even though I have actually spent more time outside my house than in it in the last week!
Reposted by James Kemp
We’re looking for a venue partner who can help with physical space to support this open, community-driven, and free-to-attend event.
🗓️ When: A Saturday in Spring 2026 (Flexible)
👥 Size: 100-120 people
📍 Where: Accessible UK location, ideally Leeds
Please get in touch! ukhealthcamp.com/venue
🗓️ When: A Saturday in Spring 2026 (Flexible)
👥 Size: 100-120 people
📍 Where: Accessible UK location, ideally Leeds
Please get in touch! ukhealthcamp.com/venue
UK Health Camp the free ‘unconference’ on digital, design and data for health and care
Come and enjoy a full day having conversations about #health, #digital, #nhs, and more. Register at ukhealthcamp.com
ukhealthcamp.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:34 AM
We’re looking for a venue partner who can help with physical space to support this open, community-driven, and free-to-attend event.
🗓️ When: A Saturday in Spring 2026 (Flexible)
👥 Size: 100-120 people
📍 Where: Accessible UK location, ideally Leeds
Please get in touch! ukhealthcamp.com/venue
🗓️ When: A Saturday in Spring 2026 (Flexible)
👥 Size: 100-120 people
📍 Where: Accessible UK location, ideally Leeds
Please get in touch! ukhealthcamp.com/venue
Just seen my first snowfall of the winter from Ninewells.
November 18, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Just seen my first snowfall of the winter from Ninewells.
Reposted by James Kemp
We @connectedbydata.org are planning a conference next year (early March, in Manchester) about people, power and participation in (public sector) data and AI.
If you were coming, who would you really like to hear from as a keynote speaker to kick off the day?
If you were coming, who would you really like to hear from as a keynote speaker to kick off the day?
November 11, 2025 at 9:08 AM
We @connectedbydata.org are planning a conference next year (early March, in Manchester) about people, power and participation in (public sector) data and AI.
If you were coming, who would you really like to hear from as a keynote speaker to kick off the day?
If you were coming, who would you really like to hear from as a keynote speaker to kick off the day?
Reposted by James Kemp
What is Pride in Place?
The government’s Pride in Place Programme will see up to £5 billion given to nearly 250 areas across the UK.
Each area will receive up to £20 million of funding & support over the next 10 years to make long-term improvements that residents want.
You can find out more here!
The government’s Pride in Place Programme will see up to £5 billion given to nearly 250 areas across the UK.
Each area will receive up to £20 million of funding & support over the next 10 years to make long-term improvements that residents want.
You can find out more here!
What is Pride in Place?
The government’s Pride in Place Programme will see up to £5 billion given to nearly 250 areas across the UK. Each area will receive up to £20 million of funding and support over the next 10 years to m...
www.gov.uk
November 10, 2025 at 12:16 PM
What is Pride in Place?
The government’s Pride in Place Programme will see up to £5 billion given to nearly 250 areas across the UK.
Each area will receive up to £20 million of funding & support over the next 10 years to make long-term improvements that residents want.
You can find out more here!
The government’s Pride in Place Programme will see up to £5 billion given to nearly 250 areas across the UK.
Each area will receive up to £20 million of funding & support over the next 10 years to make long-term improvements that residents want.
You can find out more here!
Reposted by James Kemp
"A civil servant cannot answer back publicly. Holding a civil servant to account is what ministers should do... but that has to be in private."
Speaking to @christopherhope.bsky.social, @fdagensec.bsky.social challenges briefings against civil servants who cannot defend themselves publicly.
Speaking to @christopherhope.bsky.social, @fdagensec.bsky.social challenges briefings against civil servants who cannot defend themselves publicly.
October 31, 2025 at 2:07 PM
"A civil servant cannot answer back publicly. Holding a civil servant to account is what ministers should do... but that has to be in private."
Speaking to @christopherhope.bsky.social, @fdagensec.bsky.social challenges briefings against civil servants who cannot defend themselves publicly.
Speaking to @christopherhope.bsky.social, @fdagensec.bsky.social challenges briefings against civil servants who cannot defend themselves publicly.
Reposted by James Kemp
The format of the book about Randomness that @sonofsuntzu.bsky.social and I are writing forces readers to do some work.
It's slightly depressing how many people are mildly horrified by that idea. That somehow books should be frictionless insight devices.
Randomthebook.com
It's slightly depressing how many people are mildly horrified by that idea. That somehow books should be frictionless insight devices.
Randomthebook.com
Random the Book
Matt Ballantine and Nick Drage's experiment in serendipity and chance.
Randomthebook.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:37 AM
The format of the book about Randomness that @sonofsuntzu.bsky.social and I are writing forces readers to do some work.
It's slightly depressing how many people are mildly horrified by that idea. That somehow books should be frictionless insight devices.
Randomthebook.com
It's slightly depressing how many people are mildly horrified by that idea. That somehow books should be frictionless insight devices.
Randomthebook.com
Reposted by James Kemp
I am recruiting a Senior Accessibility Specialist to be part of the Government Digital Service accessibility and digital inclusion team. Applications open until Sunday 26th October. www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cg...
#a11y #Accessibility #AccessibilityRegulations
#a11y #Accessibility #AccessibilityRegulations
Quick Check Needed
www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk
October 7, 2025 at 11:35 AM
I am recruiting a Senior Accessibility Specialist to be part of the Government Digital Service accessibility and digital inclusion team. Applications open until Sunday 26th October. www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cg...
#a11y #Accessibility #AccessibilityRegulations
#a11y #Accessibility #AccessibilityRegulations
Reposted by James Kemp
Because a lot of people are finding this week hard….
’Prepare them for the slump’: emergency planner Lucy Easthope shares the best ways to support a loved one in a crisis
Lucy Easthope is an emergency planner whose job is to support survivors of major disasters, including earthquakes, fires and floods.
www.goodhousekeeping.com
October 4, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Because a lot of people are finding this week hard….
Reposted by James Kemp
How should governments rewire the state to get things done?
Join us and Onward at #CPC25 on Tuesday 7 October as we explore how UK institutions can better deliver national priorities with our expert panel featuring Jesse Norman MP zurl.co/Y0fzz
Join us and Onward at #CPC25 on Tuesday 7 October as we explore how UK institutions can better deliver national priorities with our expert panel featuring Jesse Norman MP zurl.co/Y0fzz
October 4, 2025 at 3:50 PM
How should governments rewire the state to get things done?
Join us and Onward at #CPC25 on Tuesday 7 October as we explore how UK institutions can better deliver national priorities with our expert panel featuring Jesse Norman MP zurl.co/Y0fzz
Join us and Onward at #CPC25 on Tuesday 7 October as we explore how UK institutions can better deliver national priorities with our expert panel featuring Jesse Norman MP zurl.co/Y0fzz
Reposted by James Kemp
Starting a spud van in Westminster and calling it Political Hot Potato. Park it near the Red Lion so it can get the spads after they're pissed up. Van tagline! Spuds 4 spads.
October 3, 2025 at 1:05 AM
Starting a spud van in Westminster and calling it Political Hot Potato. Park it near the Red Lion so it can get the spads after they're pissed up. Van tagline! Spuds 4 spads.
Reposted by James Kemp
Digital folk (esp public sector!) - Where's the place to look for great, senior delivery management folk in Leeds / W Yorks?
I know a lovely booming agency there seeking a Head of Delivery, pronto, to take their delivery work to the next level.
I don't normally tout jobs around but this is a beaut
I know a lovely booming agency there seeking a Head of Delivery, pronto, to take their delivery work to the next level.
I don't normally tout jobs around but this is a beaut
September 30, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Digital folk (esp public sector!) - Where's the place to look for great, senior delivery management folk in Leeds / W Yorks?
I know a lovely booming agency there seeking a Head of Delivery, pronto, to take their delivery work to the next level.
I don't normally tout jobs around but this is a beaut
I know a lovely booming agency there seeking a Head of Delivery, pronto, to take their delivery work to the next level.
I don't normally tout jobs around but this is a beaut
Reposted by James Kemp
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-...
Reposted by James Kemp
A while back Historic England asked for my opinion on which was the oldest pub in London. The result is a new online article that outlines the variables, busts some myths, and points to a couple of genuinely ancient pubs in and around the city...
heritagecalling.com/2025/09/25/w...
heritagecalling.com/2025/09/25/w...
September 25, 2025 at 3:03 PM
A while back Historic England asked for my opinion on which was the oldest pub in London. The result is a new online article that outlines the variables, busts some myths, and points to a couple of genuinely ancient pubs in and around the city...
heritagecalling.com/2025/09/25/w...
heritagecalling.com/2025/09/25/w...
A personal project of decades of long gestation is nearing fruition. I have finally designed and written a megagame!
www.tickettailor.com/events/truen...
Inspired by the Expanse, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly and Star Trek this is a game about what happens when humans take to the stars!
www.tickettailor.com/events/truen...
Inspired by the Expanse, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly and Star Trek this is a game about what happens when humans take to the stars!
September 16, 2025 at 8:18 PM
A personal project of decades of long gestation is nearing fruition. I have finally designed and written a megagame!
www.tickettailor.com/events/truen...
Inspired by the Expanse, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly and Star Trek this is a game about what happens when humans take to the stars!
www.tickettailor.com/events/truen...
Inspired by the Expanse, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly and Star Trek this is a game about what happens when humans take to the stars!
Received some meeples from an eBay seller today in the most wonderful envelope
September 11, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Received some meeples from an eBay seller today in the most wonderful envelope
I started a new role today. Still with CO, but in another part of the organisation. Looking at other ways we can change the system to make it better.
September 1, 2025 at 7:43 PM
I started a new role today. Still with CO, but in another part of the organisation. Looking at other ways we can change the system to make it better.
Reposted by James Kemp
Good to see @pjtheeconomist.bsky.social address an issue that successive govt’s have chosen to ignore. Pay in the civil service is uncompetitive across the spectrum of grades, roles and locations. (1/3)
www.thetimes.com/business-mon...
www.thetimes.com/business-mon...
We need fat cats in the public sector if we want the best policy
Public sector pay is a fraction of what similar private sector roles command
www.thetimes.com
September 1, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Good to see @pjtheeconomist.bsky.social address an issue that successive govt’s have chosen to ignore. Pay in the civil service is uncompetitive across the spectrum of grades, roles and locations. (1/3)
www.thetimes.com/business-mon...
www.thetimes.com/business-mon...
Reposted by James Kemp
You might not know:
There used to be a hidden page for many services on GOV.UK, which would display the underlying user need through a user story and its alignment with the platform proposition.
You just had to insert /info to any service landing page’s URL.
I still think it’s brilliant.
There used to be a hidden page for many services on GOV.UK, which would display the underlying user need through a user story and its alignment with the platform proposition.
You just had to insert /info to any service landing page’s URL.
I still think it’s brilliant.
August 28, 2025 at 9:59 AM
You might not know:
There used to be a hidden page for many services on GOV.UK, which would display the underlying user need through a user story and its alignment with the platform proposition.
You just had to insert /info to any service landing page’s URL.
I still think it’s brilliant.
There used to be a hidden page for many services on GOV.UK, which would display the underlying user need through a user story and its alignment with the platform proposition.
You just had to insert /info to any service landing page’s URL.
I still think it’s brilliant.
Reposted by James Kemp
UK Parliament Week 2025 is just around the corner 🎉
Sign up for free, unbox your kit, and learn how Parliament works step-by-step.
Sign up for free, unbox your kit, and learn how Parliament works step-by-step.
August 18, 2025 at 11:07 AM
UK Parliament Week 2025 is just around the corner 🎉
Sign up for free, unbox your kit, and learn how Parliament works step-by-step.
Sign up for free, unbox your kit, and learn how Parliament works step-by-step.
Reposted by James Kemp
Govt innovation nerds may be interested in this "Scan > Pilot > Scale" approach to some keystone public sector AI projects that are being flagged as the "Prime Minister's AI Exemplars" gds.blog.gov.uk/2025/08/18/t... and which appears to be a diff methodology to Test and Learn
August 18, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Govt innovation nerds may be interested in this "Scan > Pilot > Scale" approach to some keystone public sector AI projects that are being flagged as the "Prime Minister's AI Exemplars" gds.blog.gov.uk/2025/08/18/t... and which appears to be a diff methodology to Test and Learn
I have been organising a series of events for public servants in Scotland.
First event is on 2 Sept in Edinburgh where I'll be sharing how to do inclusive workshops using liberating structures.
Book via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/facilitati...
First event is on 2 Sept in Edinburgh where I'll be sharing how to do inclusive workshops using liberating structures.
Book via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/facilitati...
Facilitating Inclusive Workshops
Public Servants only. Learn how to create engaging and inclusive workshops that welcome everyone, regardless of background or experience.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
August 18, 2025 at 1:58 PM
I have been organising a series of events for public servants in Scotland.
First event is on 2 Sept in Edinburgh where I'll be sharing how to do inclusive workshops using liberating structures.
Book via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/facilitati...
First event is on 2 Sept in Edinburgh where I'll be sharing how to do inclusive workshops using liberating structures.
Book via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/facilitati...
Reposted by James Kemp
August 14, 2025 at 6:48 PM