How CPS is leading digital innovation with Low-Code solutions

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is tackling one of the public sector's most persistent challenges: overcoming legacy systems to deliver modern, citizen-centric services.

Under the leadership of Elizabeth Thomason, Head of Software Engineering, the CPS has transformed its approach to digital innovation by establishing an internal application development capability that has already delivered over 30 services.

Legacy systems have long been a stumbling block for organisations like CPS, hampering efficiency, driving up costs, and limiting the ability to innovate.

Recognising the need for modernisation, CPS took steps to rebuild its technology infrastructure. With Thomason at the helm, the organisation has turned these challenges into opportunities, creating secure, future-proofed applications using low-code technology.

One of the standout achievements of CPS’s digital journey is the redevelopment of over 20 legacy applications. These efforts have not only improved the efficiency of internal operations but also enhanced the experience for both internal teams and external stakeholders.

Establishing a Centre of Excellence

To sustain its transformation, CPS established a Centre of Excellence for low-code application development. This initiative ensures that the organisation has the skills, processes, and governance needed to continuously deliver secure and compliant digital services.

Thomason's team has leveraged low-code platforms to empower both IT and business teams, enabling them to collaborate effectively on application development. This approach has not only accelerated the delivery of new services but also helped the organisation address resource constraints by simplifying development processes.

Real-world impact of Low-Code

The results of CPS’s internal development capability are tangible. By adopting low-code technology, the organisation has:

• Reduced reliance on external vendors, cutting costs and improving control over its digital assets.
• Built secure, compliant applications tailored to the specific needs of its users.
• Created future-proofed solutions that can adapt to evolving demands in the justice system.

These advancements have positioned CPS as a leader in leveraging low-code platforms within government, demonstrating how legacy barriers can be transformed into catalysts for innovation.

Thomason’s experience offers valuable lessons for digital, data, and technology (DDaT) leaders across government. As public sector organisations increasingly face the challenge of modernising aging systems, CPS’s success provides a blueprint for how low-code technology can be used to drive operational efficiency and improve service delivery.

From empowering IT and business teams to rethinking how services are delivered, CPS’s approach showcases the transformative potential of low-code solutions. By building a culture of innovation, the organisation has not only met its immediate needs but also laid the groundwork for continued digital transformation.

A broader conversation on digital transformation

CPS’s journey will be highlighted in an upcoming panel discussion featuring Thomason and other public sector leaders. The session will explore how organisations can:

• Overcome legacy barriers while managing complex systems.
• Empower teams to modernise applications efficiently.
• Use AI and cloud-native technologies to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Transform citizen experiences through integrated, seamless services.

This conversation promises to provide actionable insights for DDaT executives seeking to future-proof their organisations and create value for citizens.