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GOV Reuse Library

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Getting started in government digital, data and technology

Use this guide to understand how government service teams work, find trusted guidance and connect with people across government.

  1. Step 1 Understand the basics

    Start with the guidance, standards and principles used by government digital, data and technology teams.

    1. Read the GOV.UK Service Manual

      Guidance for creating and running public services that meet the Service Standard.

    2. Explore the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework

      Find government roles and the skills needed to do them.

    3. Understand the Service Standard

      Learn about the 14 points used to define a good government service.

    4. Learn about service assessments

      Check whether a service needs an assessment and how to apply the Service Standard.

    5. Read the Government Design Principles

      Use the principles to design simple, inclusive and sustainable services.

  2. Step 2 Learn how service teams work

    Learn how multidisciplinary service teams work and how services move through different phases.

    1. Learn about agile delivery

      Read guidance about agile methods, service phases and governance.

    2. Understand what each role does in a service team

      Learn about responsibilities within a multidisciplinary service team.

    3. Understand discovery, alpha, beta and live

      Find out what teams do and learn during each phase of a service.

    4. Follow Secure by Design guidance

      Build effective security practices into digital services from the start.

  3. Step 3 Make services accessible and inclusive

    Understand how to make services accessible and support people who cannot use digital services independently.

    1. Learn how to make a service accessible

      Understand government accessibility requirements and your team’s responsibilities.

    2. Test against Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2

      Test code, content and journeys with disabled users and assistive technologies.

    3. Plan assisted digital support

      Learn when users may need help to use the online parts of a service.

    4. Learn how assisted digital support is assessed

      Show how research, support design and testing meet users’ needs.

    5. Get an accessibility audit

      Plan an audit and allow time to fix the issues it finds.

  4. Step 4 Use research and evidence

    Start with evidence, learn about users and check what other teams already know before designing a solution.

    1. Start by learning about users and their needs

      Understand users’ goals, problems and context before building anything.

    2. Plan user research for your service

      Set research objectives, choose methods and share findings with the team.

    3. Search the local government user research library

      Find existing research and insights from local government teams.

    4. Search the GOV Reuse Library

      Find existing components, patterns, standards and guidance before starting again.

  5. Step 5 Use artificial intelligence responsibly

    Understand the opportunities, limitations and responsibilities involved in using artificial intelligence (AI). Always follow your organisation’s policies.

    1. Read the AI Playbook for the UK Government

      Follow 10 principles for using AI safely, effectively and securely in government.

    2. Use the Ministry of Justice AI and Data Science Ethics Framework

      Use tools and guidance for ethical reflection throughout a project.

    3. Join the artificial intelligence community of practice

      Connect with people interested in using AI across government.

  6. Step 6 Connect, reuse and keep learning

    Connect with practitioners, learn from existing work and share resources that could help other service teams.

    1. Find cross-government communities of practice

      Find profession and topic communities across government.

    2. Explore the GOV Reuse Library

      Search government design systems, manuals, standards, products and style guides.

    3. Explore Government Digital and Data courses on FutureLearn

      Find short courses for new starters and people developing their skills. A FutureLearn account is required and some access options are limited or paid.

    4. Suggest a resource

      Help keep the library useful, accurate and up to date.