Department for Education Service Mapping
Overview.
The Challenge.
DfE needed to capture user needs and key problems across a diverse range of issues, including recruitment, retention, workload, reporting, and funding. They also required analysis of a large data set taken from 20,000 schools and 60 services.
The Solution
Digi2al's multidisciplinary teams worked with users and cross-departmental stakeholders, engaging with stakeholders across a dozen DfE policy areas.
Our user-centred approach involved carrying out quantitative research with policy, using white papers, existing internal data, and stats. In addition, we carried out qualitative research through physical observations; physical and remote interviews; and online and postal surveys, applying relevant methods for user groups (e.g. time-poor teachers and support staff). We created interactive service maps for stakeholders, illustrating the relationship between services and datasets and created a 'playbook' summarising situation and transformation opportunities to support collaborative decision-making.
The Results.
Our approach resulted in better research outcomes and service assessment pass rates. With backing from the PermSec, we progressed multiple Alpha, Beta and Live services, including ‘Teacher Vacancies Service’ and ‘Apply to become a Teacher’.
Project highlights.
