The Challenge: Building Under Pressure

NHS Scotland, in collaboration with The Scottish Government, faced a monumental task—developing a mobile track-and-trace app at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. The urgency was clear: the faster the app could be built and deployed, the sooner it could help save lives. However, the project faced significant hurdles, from the high-pressure environment to resistance from stakeholders unfamiliar with Agile practices. The need for rapid, efficient delivery was critical, but overcoming entrenched mindsets was no easy feat.

The Solution: Embracing Agile for Rapid Delivery

To meet this challenge, Agile practices were embedded into the project. My role was to coach both the app development teams and key stakeholders, helping them adapt to a new, fast-paced way of working. Agile principles allowed for flexibility and quick iterations, but for those unfamiliar with the methodology, it represented a major shift. Some stakeholders were resistant, particularly to the accelerated timeline, which required frequent feedback loops and constant communication.

How We Delivered: Coaching, Training, and Clearing Obstacles

I worked closely with the teams, providing a blend of coaching, Scrum Mastery, and targeted training. The focus was to clear any obstacles that might slow down progress, allowing developers to focus on delivering a functional, world-class app. Training sessions were held to familiarise stakeholders with Agile methodologies, while ongoing coaching helped shift their mindset towards rapid, iterative development.

With the pressure mounting and lives on the line, it was essential to keep momentum. By facilitating smooth communication and removing bottlenecks, I enabled the team to stay on course, moving from concept to public launch in record time for a government project.

The Outcomes: Rapid Launch, Life-Saving Impact

Thanks to the Agile approach, NHS Scotland and The Scottish Government were able to launch the track-and-trace app to the public in record time. The speed and efficiency with which the app was developed allowed it to be deployed at a critical juncture, helping manage the spread of the virus in Scotland. Stakeholders, once sceptical, became advocates of the new way of working, realising the value Agile brought to high-stakes, time-sensitive projects.

Delivering Under Pressure

This case study demonstrates how Agile practices, combined with focused coaching and obstacle removal, enabled NHS Scotland to meet a life-saving challenge head-on. If your organisation faces a high-pressure project, I can help you adapt to new ways of working and deliver results rapidly.