Introduction to
Delivery Management in Central Government

This course introduces the fundamentals of delivery management, tailored to the environment of UK central government.

This course introduces the core principles, practices, and ways of thinking needed to manage projects, products, and services.

It focuses on the people, decisions, and everyday behaviours that underpin good delivery not just tools and processes.

You’ll learn how to navigate the Service Standard, governance, and multidisciplinary working.

This course is ideal for:

  • People who are new to delivery roles in the public sector

  • People who are new to delivery management

  • People already in delivery-related roles who want to strengthen their fundamentals

  • Those moving into government from other industries who need to understand the specific frameworks, assessments, and culture that underpin government digital services

The course is delivered live and online by Jon Rhodes, using real-world experience of delivery within government departments like DfE, MHCLG, DBS, and NHS.

Next course: May 2026

  • Session 1: 19 May 2026, 09:30 - 12:30 GMT

  • Session 2: 20 May 2026, 09:30 - 12:30 GMT

Course details

  • Duration: 2 × 3 hours

  • Location: Online

  • Group size: Max 6 people

  • Cost: £295 + VAT per person

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The course

Delivery management in government is about balancing user needs with policy intent, navigating governance without losing momentum, and meeting the high bar of the Service Standard.

This course focuses on the Developing stage of delivery capability within a government context. You’ll build awareness, confidence, and practical skills to help your team navigate complexity from preparing for service assessments to managing stakeholders who are used to traditional waterfall governance.

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of:

  • What good delivery looks like within government departments

  • How to use the Service Standard

  • How to prepare a team for service assessments

  • How to protect your team’s agility while satisfying organisational assurance

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What you’ll learn

Across the two sessions, you’ll learn how to:

  • Work in multidisciplinary government teams

    • Understand the specific roles in a government digital team (product, user research, design, tech)

    • Learn how to facilitate collaboration between policy, operations, and digital professionals

    • Support the team to work in the open and make evidence-based decisions

  • Shape delivery in a complex environment

    • Apply Agile principles effectively within a bureaucratic structure

    • Spot risks early whether they are technical, political, or delivery-based

    • Communicate progress and trade-offs clearly to non-technical stakeholders

  • Communicate, reflect, and improve

    • Communicate clearly with diverse audiences, from ministers to developers

    • Reflect on lessons learned and use feedback to improve your practice

    • Begin developing a calm, thoughtful approach to government delivery

  • Navigate governance and constraints

    • Understand how decisions, funding, and assurance work in central government

    • Learn to balance the pace of delivery with policy constraints and legacy technology

    • Gain tools to manage reporting and governance without stifling the team's progress

  • Master the Service Standard

    • Understand the 14 points of the Service Standard and why they matter

    • Learn what service assessments are and how to prepare your team for them

    • Recognise the difference between Discovery, Alpha, Beta, and Live phases in government

Who this course is for

This course is for people who want to build confidence and capability in government delivery, including:

  • People new to delivery roles in central government

  • Delivery managers moving into government from the private or charity sectors

  • People supporting digital, data, or service delivery (e.g., in policy or ops)

  • Anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of government delivery fundamentals

No prior government delivery experience is required.

How it works

  • Delivered live and online in two interactive 3-hour sessions

  • Small group size (maximum 6 participants) to allow discussion and reflection

  • A mix of teaching, practical exercises, group discussion, and real government scenarios

  • Opportunities to discuss your own current challenges or questions

Sessions are designed to be calm, supportive, and practical with space to ask questions and learn from others.

What you get

  • A live course delivered by Jon Rhodes

  • Practical tools for planning and communicating delivery work

  • Course materials and slides for reference

  • A certificate of completion

About your trainer

Jon Rhodes is a delivery leader with 20 years’ experience. He’s supported teams and delivered projects and services in central government for:

  • Department for Education

  • Department for Work and Pensions

  • Disclosure & Barring Service

  • HM Prison & Probation Service

  • Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

  • NHS England

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