What delivery methodologies are used for NHS digital programmes?

Most NHS digital programmes use a hybrid approach combining: Waterfall (sequential Requirements → Design → Build → Test → Deploy, appropriate for regulatory submissions and fixed-specification contracts), Agile (iterative delivery via Scrum or Kanban, prioritising user feedback and working software), and the GDS Discovery–Alpha–Beta–Live framework (phased approach ensuring user needs drive design). The choice depends on regulatory requirements, clinical safety needs, and the nature of the product.