Frequently Asked Questions

What is Civil Service Live?

Civil Service Live is the annual conference and learning events for all those in the Civil Service and wider Public Service.

Where and when is Civil Service Live London?

CS Live London is taking place in Excel, International Conference Centre on Tuesday, 14 and Wednesday, 15 July 2026. To find out more about the venue visit this page.

When will I receive my joining instructions?

Joining instructions will be sent to all delegates two weeks before the event, during the week commencing 29 June. Further updates and important information will be shared closer to the event.

What happens if I don't receive my email confirmation for my sessions?

Please double check your spam and junk inboxes, if you have still not received an email please let us know by emailing civilservicelive@totalevents.uk and a member of the team will assist you.

Do I need to bring an ID to access the event?

Yes, you will need to bring a valid government-issued ID, as you will be required to present it at registration to gain access to the event.

How can I amend my registration?

You can access your registration via the link in your confirmation email. From there, you will be able to update your contact details and book or amend your sessions.

Is Civil Service Live open to the public?

No, Civil Service Live is exclusively open to civil servants across the UK.

How can I print my badge? Can I print it at home?

For 2026, badges will be printed on site only. You will not be able to print your badge at home.


On arrival, you will need to present your government ID and your unique QR code (included in your joining instructions and on your attendee app). Our registration team will print your badge onsite, and provide you with a lanyard and event brochure.


Your personalised agenda will also be printed on the back of your badge.

Is there an app or specific website for the London event?

Yes, for 2026 we will be launching a web-based app for all delegates and exhibitors.


Closer to the event, you will be able to access it via your web browser. The app will allow you to view your personalised agenda, access your QR code for badge printing, explore the speaker list, and see the full event agenda, along with other useful features.

When does registration for London close?

Registration for London closes one hour before the end of the event.

You will also be able to register on the day. Please remember to bring your government-issued ID.

Will I be able to ask questions and share my views on sessions?

Yes, most sessions will have an audience engagement tool which will allow you to post questions, up-vote other people’s questions that you want to hear answers to, answer polls and chat about the topic. Contributions will always appear under your name.

If you don’t have access to a smart phone, we will have a roving microphone in the session room to allow questions from audience members.

You will be able to access Slido by scanning a QR code displayed at the event or by visiting www.slido.com and entering the code #CSLive.

Is catering provided at the event?

There will be catering points available across the venue where refreshments can be purchased via bank card. Complimentary water will be provided throughout the venue so we encourage all attendees to bring a water bottle with them to refill.

Catering units will be located in the main halls.

If you prefer other options, there are several catering units along the ExCeL boulevard, along with a range of nearby cafés and shops where you can purchase food outside the venue.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes. We ensure that all venues used for Civil Service Live are accessible, inclusive, and compliant with relevant legal requirements.

To view the Inclusivity and Accessibility Report for this event, please click here.

Can I book my sessions in advance?

Yes, you will be able to book sessions at the time of registration. If you find you cannot attend the sessions, please log back in and cancel these to make your place available to someone on the waiting list. We would recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to the session beginning.

Where do I get my QR code to print my badge?

You will receive your QR code within your joining instructions ahead of the event.

You can also access your QR code at any time by logging into the web-based app.

Will my data be shared, if so, who with?

Your data will be processed and stored in accordance with our privacy notice.

What is the dress code for the event?

Your usual office attire.

How is Civil Service Live supporting sustainability and the UK Government’s mandate to be carbon neutral by 2050?

Each year we review the locations of Civil Service Live to ensure we can reach and train as many civil servants as possible. This is also to ensure we are hosting these in convenient and central locations to reduce corporate travel as much as possible. Each of the venues selected are easily accessible by public transport in a bid to reduce the number of delegates taking cars or personal transport to the events.


The venues selected have sustainability policies in place including onsite recycling units, alternatives to single use plastic, sourcing local products for food offerings and ensuring plant based alternatives on the menu as standard.


We know that attending Civil Service Live will require time investment and would strongly encourage all staff to make use of the build-your-own programme to ensure their day is thoroughly planned and they get the most out of the events on offer. Each session has been crafted to provide key messages and actions that attendees can take back to their colleagues.

Will Civil Service Live pay civil servants' T and S fees to attend?

The venues have been chosen to be easily, and cost effectively, accessed using public transport. All travel costs should be claimed from your local budget and are subject to line manager approval.