Software Engineering Quality Framework

Purpose

The framework is concerned with using "good" software engineering to support rapid and safe delivery of high-quality software, at scale. It aims to:

• Describe a shared (across multiple teams) view of what "good" software delivery and operations looks like
• Assist teams to practice continuous improvement
• Signpost useful training resources and examples/blueprints relating to aspects of "good"
• Provide resources useful for establishment & expansion of an engineering community

Philosophy

The philosophy underpinning this framework advocates:

• Empowered teams which are accountable for their products
• Rapid, iterative and incremental development: "Release early. Release often. And listen to your customers." (Eric S. Raymond in The Cathedral and the Bazaar)
• Reliable services, remembering "Everything fails, all the time" (Werner Vogels), and treating operations as a software engineering challenge (as in Google's Site Reliability Engineering)

Context

The framework is a companion to:

• The NHS service standard, with cross-references in this format: SERVICE-RELIABILITY
• The NHS Digital architectural principles, with cross-references in this format: ARCHITECTURE-SECURITY

Contents

The framework consists of:

• Engineering principles
• Engineering quality review tool
• Communities of practice guidelines and active communities:
  • Product Development Test Automation Working Group
  • Product Development Engineering CoP
• Guidance on how to practice continuous improvement