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GOV Reuse Library

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Getting started with reuse

Use this guide to find and build on work that already exists across government.

  1. Step 1 Start with what already exists

    Before creating something new, see whether another government team has already solved a similar problem.

    1. Search the GOV Reuse Library

      Find components, patterns, design systems, guidance and other reusable work from government teams.

    2. Check the GOV.UK Design System

      If you’re designing a GOV.UK service, start here. If it does not meet your need, look at other government design systems in the GOV Reuse Library.

    3. Find cross-government communities of practice

      Connect with people working on similar problems and learn from their experience.

    4. Suggest a resource

      Share useful work so other government teams can find and reuse it.

  2. Step 2 Find research and evidence

    Start with evidence before planning new research.

    1. Search the local government user research library

      Find research findings and insights from local government teams.

    2. Explore government design histories

      See what government teams have researched, tested and learned.

    3. Start by learning about users and their needs

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

    4. Join the cross-government user research community

      Connect with researchers across government to share methods and findings.

  3. Step 3 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.

  4. Step 4 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.

  5. Step 5 Work in a service team

    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.

  6. Step 6 Understand government principles and standards

    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.