DeliverCon Conference 2025
Exploring Skunkworks and Lean Agile in Government
At the recent DeliverCon Conference, I had the privilege of leading a session on "Skunkworks + Lean Agile in Government." The discussion delved into the intricacies of delivering digital services swiftly while managing technical debt and preventing team burnout. Participants shared insights from projects like Test and Trace, Homes for Ukraine, and Universal Credit, highlighting the need for innovative approaches beyond conventional delivery models.
Embracing Skunkworks for Government Innovation
The concept of skunkworks, originally pioneered in the aerospace industry, was a focal point of the session. This approach involves small, agile teams working autonomously on high-risk, high-reward projects. The government can learn from this model by fostering environments where innovation is encouraged, limits are pushed, and traditional constraints are challenged. By adopting a skunkworks mindset, government teams can swiftly prototype and test new ideas, leading to more effective and efficient digital services.
Challenges in Digital Delivery
Participants discussed the persistent challenges of technical debt, the necessity of pen testing, and the impact of policy changes on project timelines. Legislative barriers often hinder the simplification of digital services, prompting calls for changes that could expedite delivery without compromising quality. The conversation highlighted the importance of involving the right decision-makers in fast-paced projects to streamline governance and security concerns.
Fire Breaks: A Strategy for Sustainability
One innovative strategy explored was the concept of "fire breaks." Taking a week off every quarter allows teams to recharge and address technical debt, improving overall performance and morale. The advantages of fire breaks include enhanced team collaboration and reduced burnout. However, participants questioned the feasibility of implementing fire breaks in the public sector, given budget constraints.
Beyond Conventional Models: Lessons from Skunkworks
The session emphasised exploring delivery models outside the conventional discovery, alpha, and beta phases. By embracing skunkworks principles, government teams can operate more flexibly, iterating rapidly and responding dynamically to changing needs. This approach can help navigate the complexities of fast-paced projects, ensuring that innovation isn't stifled by traditional processes.
Balancing Speed and Quality
The discussion also covered the trade-offs between speed, quality, and cost, often referred to as the "fast, good, cheap" triangle. Participants stressed the need for thorough checks and balances, even under pressure, and highlighted the long-term impact of technical debt. The story of the tortoise and the hare was used to illustrate the importance of sustainable delivery practices.
Legislative and Policy Dynamics
The impact of policy and legislative dynamics on digital projects was another focal point. Developing solutions while legislation is still being drafted can lead to demoralisation and project pivots. Participants suggested focusing on thin slices of policy to remain agile and responsive to changes, allowing teams to innovate within a structured framework.
Innovation and Team Dynamics
Innovation remains crucial in agile delivery. Hackathons were suggested as a modern method to embed innovation and reduce risks by prioritising specific problems. Experiences from fast-paced teams highlighted the need for trust and collaboration, especially when implementing strategies like fire breaks.
Final Reflections and Next Steps
As the session concluded, participants reflected on the importance of clear communication and autonomy in fast-paced projects. Adopting skunkworks principles and fire breaks was suggested as a way to enhance team performance and reduce burnout. The session ended with a commitment to explore further innovative practices and strategies to support sustainable digital delivery in government.
