Following Scrum with part-time teams: Experiences of delivering high-quality Git and GitHub documentation for Met Office employees, partners and collaborators

Abstract

The Met Office has relied on Subversion and Trac for research software version control and issue and experiment management for over 20 years. In June 2023, the Science Git Migration Project was launched to support the widespread and business-critical transition to Git and GitHub. To support Science Git Migration Project activities, a community of Git and GitHub Champions was formed to utilise and consolidate expertise from across the organisation. These Champions enthusiastically volunteer their time alongside their day jobs to: Champion the use of Git and GitHub. Share knowledge, skills, and good practice. Work collaboratively. Provide help and support to colleagues. One of the activity teams supported by the Git and GitHub Champions is the documentation team. This team develops documentation containing Met Office context, enabling Met Office employees, partners and collaborators to effectively find reliable information, advice, and good practice. This supports them to use Git and GitHub in a competent, efficient, and productive way. The documentation team follows the Scrum framework to deliver high-quality content. However, as all contributors work part-time on a voluntary basis, the team does not engage in every Scrum Event or Commitment. Over nearly a year of collaboration, including a two-month period with full-time contributors, we explored how different levels of availability affected communication, planning and reviewing, and how to maintain sustainable progress without dedicated project time. This talk discusses the different approaches we trialled to balance quality, momentum, and contributor wellbeing, and shares lessons learned about delivering high-quality content through a volunteer, part-time community.