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The MCA Architectural guidance and its content is intended for internal and external use, as defined by the MCA Strategy, Design and Architecture team.

1. Principles and Standards

This section provides a set of MCA & Government design principles and standards that all Architecture work is expected to adhere to. Principles are rules & guidelines intended to ensure that key areas are checked with every solution design.

1.1. MCA Architecture Base Principles

These provide a set of principles that covers each of MCA’s core areas. Note that these may not all be applicable to every design.

MCA Architecture Base Principles (PDF)

1.2. Government Design Principles

The UK government’s design principles and examples of how they’ve been used.

Government Design Principles - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

1.3. The Technology Code of Practice

The Technology Code of Practice is a set of criteria to help government design, build and buy technology.

The Technology Code of Practice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

1.4. Data Ethics Framework

The Data Ethics Framework guides appropriate and responsible data use in government and the wider public sector. It helps public servants understand ethical considerations, address these within their projects, and encourages responsible innovation.

Data Ethics Framework - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

1.5. Government Technology Standards and Guidance

This is collated guidance from government websites and independent bodies to help you follow the technology code of practice.

Government technology standards and guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

1.6. Service Standard

The Service Standard helps teams to create and run great public services.

Service Standard - Service Manual - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This page was last reviewed on 24 July 2023.
This page was set to be reviewed before 24 July 2025. This might mean the content is out of date.