Leadership group

The GOV.UK Design System leadership group is responsible for doing the work that makes the work, work.

Who we are

evolve and adapt the team’s strategic direction
iterate our business model and economic case
prioritise work and build a delivery roadmap
ensure technical decisions align with the team and wider GDS principles and vision
keep up to date with new technologies and features
iterate ways of working and coach the team to deliver at pace
facilitate the best makeup of the team and lead on recruitment
report and respond to ad hoc requests from senior leadership
set and monitor the team’s budget and costs
procure tooling and resources needed by the team
manage, mitigate and escalate risks and issues which cannot be resolved within the team
ensure technical debt and bugs are properly tracked
hold 121s with team members

The team leads use a Kanban board to track their work. The group meets each Monday morning to discuss priorities for the week ahead.

Role model the team’s charter
Be visible to the team
Be accountable for our decisions, and keep the team accountable for the work
Advocate for our team, internally and externally
Champion inclusive culture, uphold psychological safety and ensure our ways of working promote this
Regularly seek and give feedback from the team. Show gratitude and recognise excellence
Help team members do their best work. Step in when they’re not, but with kindness and understanding
Have conversations openly when possible. Communicate clearly and often
Help shape the team’s strategic direction
Support other leads when need arises. Own shared issues
Proactively spot issues and initiate action
Respectfully challenge decisions, even when difficult. Commit once a decision has been made, whatever the outcome
Make decisions only when others can’t
Look sideways. Align with GDS standards where appropriate and look for opportunities to collaborate