Introduction to Agile

Welcome to this collection of practical tools and methods for the agile way of working in public service. This is a Beta version of the Agile Playbook - While we try our best to proofread with eagle eyes, something may have escaped us. If so, reach out to let us know.

You have made it this far in your Agile journey, so hopefully you are already aware that agility is not just for software development. Everyone has the capacity to be agile in the way we show up and interacting in the work we do.

The business environment we operate in is often characterised as Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous, “VUCA”. This requires organizations to manage change and make decisions more quickly than before.

COVID-19 has vastly intensified these needs, and organisations of all sizes are facing immense pressure to ensure their business models fit changing needs, or face elimination. This need for speed is not just temporary. Forces of change are expected to accelerate in this Digital Revolution.

In this environment, the “traditional” delivery styles are less helpful to drive the innovation and entrepreneurship that is required for remaining competitive and relevant.

In this guide, we introduce you to the agile mindset, principles, values and methods that are commonly used by Agile practitioners around the world. We aim to practise this in public service as these help to harness change for competitive advantage, through early and continuous delivery of value for the public over following a fixed plan.

We hope to deepen your understanding of the agile ways of working and inspire the progress and innovation we all strive for.

Enjoy!