Apply the Service Standard in DfE

Guidance and information for how to apply the Government Service Standard to design and build accessible, usable and understandable services in the Department for Education.

Meet users’ needs

Guidance on how user research and design professions can apply these standards in their role.

• 1. Understand users and their needs

• 2. Solve a whole problem for users

• 3. Provide a joined up experience across all channels

• 4. Make the service simple to use

• 5. Make sure everyone can use the service

Provide a good service

Guidance to support product and delivery managers, and performance analysts in applying the standards in the delivery lifecycle.

• 6. Have a multidisciplinary team

• 7. Use agile ways of working

• 8. Iterate and improve frequently

• 9. Create a secure service which protects users’ privacy

• 10. Define what success looks like and publish performance data

Use the right technology

Guidance for developers, architects and operations roles in how to apply the standards.

• 11. Choose the right tools and technology

• 12. Make new source code open

• 13. Use and contribute to open standards, common components and patterns

• 14. Operate a reliable service

Download the guidance

Download all the guidance for the standard points in a spreadsheet.

Download Excel - 98kb

Last updated: 24 April 2023

Check what assurance your service needs

Find out what type of assurance or assessment your service needs and book a session.

Check your assurance need

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Additional guidance across DfE

• User-centred design in DfE
• User Research in DfE
• DfE Technical Guidance
• DfE Architecture

GOV.UK resources

• GOV.UK Design System
• GOV.UK Service Manual