
One of the key policy reforms in the playbook is to be open and use open source software whenever possible, saying “Software should be open-source and designed to allow access in a platform-agnostic way.” In addition to open source, the guidelines also recommend using open standards for government data and technology.
The DDaT Playbook provides guidance on how to be open and use open source in different stages of digital projects and programmes. Among the steps are assessing the needs of end users and the existing technology landscape; procuring technology that meets the Technology Code of Practice (TCoP); delivering technology that follows the Service Manual section on making source code open and reusable; maintaining technology that adheres to the Government Digital Service (GDS) standards. According to the document, by being open and using open source, the UK government aims to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of its digital projects and programmes, as well as fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and openness.
The playbook was drafted by the Cabinet Office and published under the Open Government Licence v3.0. It applies directly to central government agencies on a ‘comply or explain’ basis and is to be considered ‘good practice’ by the wider public sector. With the United Kingdom public sector estimated to spend £46 billion on digital on a yearly basis, the effects of this policy can be considered wide-ranging.
The guidance is in line with previous policies published by the UK government in support of open source in government procurement. It has had since 2002 maintained a policy that open source should be considered equally open source solutions equally with proprietary solutions. With time the approach become more prescriptive and the usage of open source has become obligatory with the Technology Code of Practice. Sharing and re-use has also been regulated, as the Service Standard requires code to made available for re-use within the government and suggests an open repository for government code. Many government projects are hosted on GitHub.