A group for specialists in low code tools, which allow non-technical staff to create software programs, has been added to the array of communities of practice for Whitehall digital professionals

Government is inviting civil servants to apply to join a newly established “low code community”.

The group has been added to the 20-plus collection of “communities of practice” listed in government’s Service Manual. The aim of the communities is to allow civil servants specialised in various disciplines and methods to “connect with digital people like you from across government”.

According to its new listing in the manual: “The low code community exists to foster a collaborative environment where members can share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions related to low code applications development and platforms.”

The group will offer “meetings, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions” with the aim of providing members with “a supportive network that encourages continuous learning, professional growth, and the effective use of low code platforms to solve real world challenges”.

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“This community strives to empower individuals and organisations to leverage low code technologies to accelerate digital transformation, enhance productivity, and enhance public sector delivery,” the GOV.UK guidance adds. “The ambition of this community is to be regarded as the key stakeholder for the development and implementation of a low code strategy across the UK government, encompassing people, processes and technology, and offer expertise and support when relevant and available.”

The community is currently seeking employees from across central government departments and arm’s-length agencies to register as members.

Anyone wishing to join is advised that they must fulfil various criteria. This includes a requirement to: “demonstrate a genuine interest in low code platforms and their application in government operations; commit to actively participating in community meetings, events, and activities; be willing to share experiences, best practices, and lessons learned with other community members; have support from their department or agency leadership to participate in the community and contribute to its objectives; [and] be a civil servant or contractor working in a UK government department or agency”.

Low code – and no code – technologies are designed so as to allow non-specialist users develop and launch software tools. HM Revenue and Customs has been a high-profile proponent of the use of these systems, with the tax department’s three-year strategy released in 2023 outlining its intent to deploy low code systems.