Today more than ever, public sector organisations face the challenge of modernising legacy systems. For Department for Education (DfE), effective digital transformation means not just upgrading technology but creating services that are user-centred and adaptable to new policies and evolving needs. This level of transformation requires more than just technical expertise; it calls for partners that are agile, empathetic, and strongly aligned with public sector values.
Together, Nimble Approach and dxw formed a unique partnership. Combining their technical and engineering depth and user-centred service design expertise to create a blended team with the DfE that was more than the sum of its parts.
Here’s how this partnership came together, the impact it’s had, and why small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) collaborations are so suited to the public sector.
From Simple Support to a Strategic Partnership
Our partnership started as a straightforward engagement, with dxw approaching Nimble Approach to bolster the capability and capacity needed for a large-scale project to transform a service that supports schools across England and Wales. And grew organically into a united team of over 50 professionals working side-by-side to transform DfE’s digital landscape.
A “one team” approach defined the partnership from the start. dxw and Nimble created a blended team with the DfE, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritised open communication, agile problem-solving, and a shared commitment to delivering DfE’s goals.
Harnessing Blended Expertise to Solve Complex Problems
The strength of our partnership lays in the diverse experience and skill set formed by bringing the 2 agencies together. The team is able to approach each problem holistically, ensuring that solutions are not only technically sound but also responsive to the real needs of users.
A cornerstone of this approach is the shared “community of practice” – a weekly forum where team members from both consultancies, alongside DfE colleagues, share insights, discuss challenges, and refine their work. These sessions foster knowledge-sharing and continuous learning, ensuring that the team consistently delivers innovative, practical solutions for DfE. The commitment to learning from each other’s strengths results in a dynamic, resilient team well placed to meet the challenges inherent in projects of this size and complexity.
Delivering Real-World Impact for the Department for Education
Nimble Approach and dxw have delivered real change for DfE:
- Reduced Technical Debt and Increased Efficiency: By replacing outdated systems, like data capture and case management products, the team reduced technical debt, freeing up resources to focus on high priority education initiatives.
- Standardised Technology Stack: Implementing a best-in-class, secure, and sustainable technology stack. The infrastructure developed for this programme underwent rigorous testing to ensure high levels of security and reliability. This standardised approach has since been adopted and reused across the DfE, providing a consistent, scalable foundation for future projects.
- Improved Accessibility: Moving from legacy systems to a modern tech stack has made DfE’s services more accessible and intuitive for a broader range of users. This transition aligned closely with the DfE’s drive of inclusivity, allowing staff to engage with digital services more easily and effectively.
- Responsiveness to Policy Shifts: When a new policy required rapid implementation, the blended team was ready to adapt at a moment’s notice. This agility is a key advantage of SME partnerships, where the focus on collaboration and flexibility allows for quick adjustments without compromising quality.
These results are more than just technical achievements, they demonstrate the tangible social value that SME partnerships can bring to public sector work. Nimble Approach and dxw’s shared commitment to honesty, integrity, pragmatism, and public service values ensured that every decision made aligned with the DfE’s needs and maximised benefit for users.
“dxw’s partnership with Nimble allows us to offer DfE an enhanced range of skills as we utilise many years of expertise across both companies. Our ways of working complement each other and we’ve put processes in place so we’re able to respond quickly to new requests from DfE.”
Clare Young, dxw Delivery Director
The Unique Value of SME Partnerships in the Public Sector
This project showcases why SME partnerships can be so effective in public sector work. Larger consultancies often come with rigid structures and a one-size-fits-all approach, while SME collaborations offer a level of agility, personalised service, and focus on client needs that is difficult to replicate.
Some practices that made this collaboration successful include:
- A Unified “One Team” Culture: From the outset, a shared team mentality broke down organisational silos, enabling seamless communication and collaboration. By treating every team member as an equal, the partnership fostered an open, high-trust environment focused on the DfE’s goals.
- Ongoing Knowledge Sharing: The regular capability meetings allowed team members to share best practices, align on objectives, and develop innovative solutions that closely matched DfE’s priorities. This commitment to continuous learning ensured that the partnership delivered solutions grounded in both organisations’ expertise.
- Adaptability Through Diverse Skill Sets: The combination of experience and expertise allowed the team to address complex challenges from multiple perspectives. This flexibility was crucial when responding to policy changes and tight deadlines.
- Deeper Expertise Pool: By combining forces, both organisations can draw upon a broader range of expertise and experience. This creates a more comprehensive knowledge base than either could offer alone, while maintaining the agility and focus of smaller organisations.
- Rapid Response Capability: The partnership’s flexible structure allows quick adaptation to changing requirements. When new needs arise, the combined team can rapidly mobilise the right expertise, whether that’s additional development capacity or specific design capabilities.
- Innovation Through Diversity: The blend of different organisational cultures and approaches has created an environment where innovation thrives. Teams benefit from diverse perspectives and experiences, leading to more creative and effective solutions.
Challenges Overcome and Lessons Learned
The journey of this partnership wasn’t without its challenges. Coordinating across two organisations required robust communication channels and clear decision-making protocols. Regular meetings, shared workspaces, and an emphasis on transparent communication helped maintain alignment and foster a sense of unity.
During the legacy system migration, the team faced unexpected technical difficulties that could have disrupted the project timeline. Thanks to the partnership’s agile methodology and collaborative spirit, these obstacles were swiftly addressed, minimising disruptions and keeping the project on track.
A Blueprint for Future Public Sector Collaborations
As the demands on public sector organisations continue to evolve, the Nimble-dxw partnership provides a model for future collaborations. By prioritising shared values, blending expertise, and putting user needs at the centre of every decision, SMEs can rival, and in many cases, outperform larger consultancies in delivering value for public services.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re interested in exploring how a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) could benefit your organisation or want to learn more about our work with the DfE, we’d love to connect.
Let’s discuss how expertise, flexibility, and a focus on real solutions can make a difference for your team and the people you serve.
