Contributing to the Defra AI SDLC Playbook

Thank you for your interest in contributing to the Defra AI SDLC Playbook! This is a living document and a shared resource for all at Defra. We welcome your contributions to make it better.

How to contribute

Report issues

If you find an error, inconsistency, or area for improvement in the playbook:

1. Go to the repository’s Issues section
2. Click “New Issue”
3. Describe the issue clearly, including:
   • Where you found the error (which section or page)
   • What the current content says
   • Why it needs to be corrected
   • Your suggested improvements (if you have any)

Add new content or make changes

To contribute new content or change existing content:

1. Fork the repository
   • Go to the repository on GitHub
   • Click the “Fork” button in the top right corner
   • This creates your own copy of the repository
2. Clone your fork to your local machine

   git clone https://github.com/your-username/defra-ai-sdlc.git
   cd defra-ai-sdlc
   Copy

3. Create a new branch for your changes

   git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name
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4. Make your changes
   • Follow the existing structure and formatting
   • Write clear and concise explanations
   • Add relevant examples where appropriate
5. Commit your changes with meaningful commit messages

   git commit -m "Add section on [topic]"
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6. Push your branch to your fork

   git push origin feature/your-feature-name
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7. Create a Pull Request (PR)
   • Go to your fork on GitHub
   • Click “New Pull Request”
   • Select your branch to merge into the main repository
   • Write a clear description of your changes
   • Submit the PR for review

Review process

• Maintainers will review all contributions
• We may not accept all suggestions, but we welcome and value all feedback
• Reviewers may ask for changes or clarification
• Once approved, we will merge your changes into the main branch

Style guidelines

• Use clear, concise language
• Follow existing formatting and structure
• Include practical examples where possible
• Link to relevant resources and documentation
• Avoid jargon or explain technical terms when you use them

Questions or need help?

If you have questions about contributing or need help:

1. Check existing issues to see if someone has already answered your question
2. Create a new issue with the “question” label if you need more help

Thank you for helping make the Defra AI SDLC Playbook better for everyone!