Got a question about Leeds GovJam? We were a volunteer team and the best way to reach us was on Twitter.
Reach the team at @LeedsGovJam on Twitter — this was the recommended way to get in touch.
Email contact addresses used across different periods included leedsgovjam@leedsgovjam.com and salmaafzal500@leedsgovjam.com. Please note these may no longer be actively monitored.
Leeds GovJam brought together people from across the public sector and beyond for a focused 48-hour burst of creative collaboration. Participants formed teams around shared challenges, using design thinking methods to explore fresh approaches to public services. The event was built on the belief that small, dedicated groups can generate powerful ideas when given the right space, tools, and encouragement. Everyone was welcome whether they had experience in service design or were simply curious about making a difference. The atmosphere was fast-paced but supportive, with mentors on hand to guide teams through each stage of the process, from defining a problem to refining a prototype.
The jam format encouraged participants to move quickly from assumptions to tangible outcomes. Teams interviewed real users, captured insights, and tested their ideas in a matter of hours rather than weeks. This rapid cycle of learning helped break down traditional barriers between citizens and the people designing services for them. The emphasis was always on doing rather than discussing, with each hour bringing new discoveries and refinements. Participants often arrived with a vague question and left with a clear statement of intent, having learned how to frame problems in human-centred ways that could attract genuine support.
Community was at the heart of the Leeds GovJam experience. The event relied on volunteers who dedicated their time to creating a welcoming environment where jammers could focus on their projects without worry. Local organisations offered space, refreshments, and expertise to help sustain the energy across both days. The shared commitment to improving public services created a sense of purpose that extended beyond the jam itself. Many participants stayed in touch afterwards, continuing to develop their ideas and share techniques with colleagues. This lasting network of jammers became a resource for future events and ongoing learning.
The skills and methods explored during Leeds GovJam had relevance far beyond the event itself. Participants took away practical techniques for user research, rapid prototyping, and collaborative problem-solving that could be applied in their daily work. The experience of working under time pressure with people from different backgrounds taught valuable lessons about communication, adaptability, and trust. Even those who arrived feeling unsure of their abilities often discovered hidden strengths. The jam proved that with the right support and a willingness to experiment, anyone could contribute meaningfully to improving the services that matter most in their community.
