Chapter 3 · About 4 minutes

Standards we work to

These are commitments we aim to build into our work. They describe practice, not formal certifications.

Accessibility

• Designed for everyone from the start. We work towards WCAG 2.2 AA, test with keyboards and screen readers, and avoid relying on colour alone.
• Plain language. Content is written so people can understand it the first time, including on a phone and under stress.

Open and maintainable code

• Readable over clever. Code should be understood by the next developer, who may work for you rather than us.
• Coding in the open where appropriate. When the client agrees and nothing sensitive is involved, we favour public repositories.
• Automated tests. Changes are checked automatically before release.

Security and data

• Least privilege. People and systems get only the access they need.
• Personal data minimised. We collect what the service needs and no more, and plan for how it is deleted.
• Dependencies kept current. Third-party libraries are monitored and updated.

Ways of working

• Show the work. Regular demonstrations of working software, not slide decks.
• Leave capability behind. Documentation and pairing so your team can carry on.