Learning, Collaborating and Connecting at LocalGov Drupal Camp 2026
LocalGov Drupal (LGD) is an open-source content management system created by councils, for councils. Designed specifically for the public sector, it enables local authorities and public sector organisations to build accessible, user-centred and cost-effective digital services while benefiting from a collaborative community that shares knowledge, best practice and ongoing innovation.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Home Connections is proud to be an active member of the LocalGov Drupal community. We are a trusted LocalGov Drupal partner, designing, building and supporting websites and microsites for councils and public sector organisations. Today, we support more than 40 LGD websites, working closely with our customers to continually develop and improve their digital experiences. Crown Estate Scotland is one example of the websites we deliver, showcasing how LocalGov Drupal can be used to create engaging, accessible and user-focused public sector websites.
Connecting with the LocalGov Drupal community
In June, the Home Connections team attended LocalGov Drupal Camp 2026 in Sheffield. Bringing together councils, suppliers and digital professionals from across the UK, the event provided an excellent opportunity to share ideas, learn from others and explore how the LocalGov Drupal community continues to evolve.
Throughout the event, we attended a range of sessions covering content design, artificial intelligence, user experience, accessibility and product development. It was particularly valuable to hear directly from councils about the challenges they face and the innovative ways they are using LocalGov Drupal to improve digital services for residents.
One of the standout themes was the growing role of artificial intelligence in local government. Sessions explored how organisations can use large language models responsibly, govern AI-powered search effectively and balance innovation with trust, security and accessibility. We also learned how councils are using user research and content design to improve online services, alongside examples of rapid digital delivery through collaborative, open-source working.
As my first LocalGov Drupal Camp, I was struck by how welcoming and collaborative the community was. Hearing how councils are using user research, accessibility and responsible AI to improve digital services gave me plenty of practical ideas and a greater appreciation for the open-source approach to innovation.
A welcoming and collaborative atmosphere
As this was the first LocalGov Drupal Camp for some members of our team, it was a fantastic introduction to the community. We were immediately struck by the welcoming and collaborative atmosphere, with councils, suppliers and digital professionals openly sharing experiences, challenges and best practice.
The event created plenty of opportunities to network, exchange ideas and build new relationships with organisations working towards the shared goal of delivering better digital public services.
Designing better digital services
One of the sessions that particularly stood out explored building better forms in LocalGov Drupal. The Royal Borough of Greenwich shared how it has developed accessible, GDS-aligned forms while empowering content teams to manage them independently. The session reinforced the importance of designing services around user needs and collaborating across councils to develop shared solutions.
Another highlight was the session on Hackney Council's website transformation, where extensive user research and testing informed every stage of the redesign. Seeing real examples of user feedback demonstrated how evidence-based decision-making can lead to more intuitive, accessible and effective digital services.
We also attended a session on governing AI search within LocalGov Drupal, which provided practical guidance on implementing AI responsibly. The discussion highlighted the importance of governance, accountability and transparency, helping councils embrace emerging technologies while maintaining trust, accuracy and good data management.
Coming from a web development background with limited Drupal experience, the camp was an excellent introduction to the platform and the wider LocalGov community. I found it particularly valuable to see how councils are embracing AI responsibly while continuing to prioritise governance, accessibility and user trust in the digital services they deliver.
Supporting the growth of LocalGov Drupal
As a Bronze Sponsor of the event, Home Connections was proud to support the LocalGov Drupal community while also having the opportunity to meet councils, partners and fellow suppliers. We left Sheffield with fresh ideas, practical insights and valuable new connections that will help shape our future work with LocalGov Drupal and our customers.
Over the past few years, LGD has grown as a force for good in public sector website development. Councils can take control of their own destiny by carrying out the work themselves. Where in-house capacity is an issue, they can also obtain reasonably priced support from specialist suppliers such as Home Connections and others within the community. We look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the community.
A huge thank you to the LocalGov Drupal team, organisers, speakers and everyone who contributed to making the event such a success. We look forward to continuing to work with the LocalGov Drupal community and applying many of the ideas and insights we gained throughout the event.
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