Architecting Transformation for a Major UK Government Department
Overview.
The client is a UK government department responsible for environmental protection, food standards, agriculture, and rural affairs. It plays a central role in shaping national sustainability and regulatory policy across key sectors, supported by numerous Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs) and interdepartmental programmes.
The organization required expert architectural advisory to support large-scale digital transformation and streamline IT strategy across departments. Key challenges included unifying architectural standards, aligning IT with evolving policy goals, and modernizing services for a wide array of public and internal users, while coordinating with other government entities.
Solution
Coforge was chosen as the strategic partner to deliver enterprise architecture and transformation advisory services. The engagement spanned design assurance, IT strategy, programme support, and cross-departmental collaboration. Key initiatives included:
Enterprise Architecture & Governance: Coforge deployed over 90 enterprise and solution architects to lead architecture design, reviews, and assurance activities across Defra and its ALBs. This resulted in greater alignment between IT and business priorities, accelerated programme approvals, and improved architectural agility.
IT Strategy & Roadmapping: Coforge contributed strategic input to the client’s digital agenda - developing technical roadmaps, assessing solution value, and aligning initiatives with sustainability goals under the Greening Government Commitments and broader cross-government strategies.
Transformation Programme Enablement: Coforge supported the modernization of critical systems, including CRM/case management, land management solutions, and shared services as part of the multi-department Synergy programme (with DWP, MoJ, and Home Office). These cloud-first, scalable platforms enhanced service delivery for both internal users and external stakeholders.
Architecture Advisory & Compliance: Coforge provided enterprise-wide guidance on compliance, data strategies, and solution governance, helping to strengthen risk management and quality assurance across digital initiatives.
The Impact
20% of paper-based processes were replaced with accessible, digital alternatives, enhancing end-to-end service delivery and citizen experience
Improved alignment between IT and business strategy led to faster approvals, stronger governance, and reduced delivery risks
Scalable, cloud-first platforms enabled consistent and secure service delivery across departments and stakeholders
This engagement demonstrates Coforge’s ability to deliver strategic architecture services at scale, empowering government organizations to modernize, collaborate, and meet evolving public service and policy objectives.
