In an era of rapid digital transformation, organisations must adapt swiftly to remain competitive. The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), the world’s leading framework for adopting Lean and Agile practices at scale, has been pivotal for over 14 years. With over 2,000,000 trained professionals across 110+ countries and 20,000 organisations implementing SAFe, its global impact is undeniable. In 2025, implementing the SAFe framework offers transformative benefits, enabling businesses and government agencies to achieve agility, streamline operations, and deliver customer-centric outcomes. This article explores the need for SAFe, its importance, the PM Partners Group approach to implementation, and the resulting benefits.

The need for SAFe in 2025

Today’s business landscape demands agility to navigate market volatility, technological advancements, and evolving customer expectations. Traditional hierarchical and project-based structures often hinder organisations from delivering value efficiently. SAFe addresses this by providing a structured yet flexible framework to scale Lean and Agile practices across enterprises.

The first State of SAFe Report by Scaled Agile Incorporated (SAI) highlights the framework’s evolution to meet modern challenges. Organisations face difficulties in value stream identification, Lean Portfolio Management, and resource constraints, which impede effective transformation. Additionally, the rise of digital transformation, social media scrutiny, and increasing cyber threats necessitate a framework that aligns strategy with execution while fostering innovation.

For government agencies, the need is equally pressing. SAFe for Government, is a new tailored adaptation, responds to the demand for mission agility, transparency, and efficient resource use. With growing citizen expectations and the need to modernise antiquated systems, agencies require a framework to coordinate complex programs and deliver impactful outcomes.

Why SAFe is important

SAFe’s importance lies in its ability to drive business agility and deliver measurable outcomes. The framework’s relentless focus on simplification, flexibility, practicality, and outcomes over processes ensures organisations can tailor it to their unique needs. According to SAI, SAFe has enabled 90+ published global success stories, demonstrating its versatility across industries.

Key areas of improvement highlighted in the State of SAFe Report include leadership engagement, integration with other methodologies, business agility in non-IT contexts, and robust metrics for value measurement. These advancements empower organisations to overcome common transformation challenges, such as misaligned value streams, funding inefficiencies, and role overload.

For government agencies, SAFe for Government fosters a Lean-Agile and DevSecOps mindset, addressing mission-critical needs. It tackles challenges like limited funding, technical debt, and the need for rapid responses to global cyber threats. By aligning evolving strategies with execution, SAFe enables agencies to operate predictably and collaboratively with contractors, enhancing service delivery to citizens.

SAFe’s adaptability ensures it remains relevant in 2025, supporting organisations in achieving faster time-to-market, improved employee engagement, and enhanced customer satisfaction. Its emphasis on continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making solidifies its role as a cornerstone of enterprise transformation.

The PM-Partners approach to SAFe implementation

At PM-Partners, we specialise in delivering tailored SAFe transformations. Our structured approach ensures sustainable, enterprise-wide adoption that aligns with your organisational goals and helps overcome common implementation challenges.

Assessment and roadmap development

PM-Partners begins with a comprehensive Agile readiness assessment to identify an organisation’s maturity and challenges. This informs a customised SAFe-aligned transformation roadmap, tailored to the organisation’s scale and objectives. By addressing specific pain points, such as value stream misalignment or leadership engagement, PM-Partners ensures a smooth transition to SAFe.

Accredited training and coaching

PM-Partners is a Gold Member Partner with SAI and offers accredited SAFe training courses, (including Leading SAFe, Lean Portfolio Management, SAFe Scrum Master, SAFe Product Owner/Manager, and SAFe for Teams etc.). These equip teams and leaders with the knowledge to implement SAFe effectively. Under the guidance of a (SPCT) Candidate, PM-Partners scales a team of certified SAFe Program Consultants (SPCs) to provide hands-on coaching. This includes identifying value streams, launching Agile Release Trains (ARTs), facilitating Program Increment (PI) Planning, and embedding Lean-Agile leadership.

Tools, governance, and change management

PM-Partners supports the integration of Agile tools and governance structures to ensure end-to-end alignment. Our expertise in Lean Portfolio Management aligns funding and strategy with customer needs, addressing a common SAFe challenge. Additionally, our change management strategies secure stakeholder buy-in and drive cultural shifts, ensuring lasting transformation.

Continuous improvement and metrics

PM-Partners embeds continuous improvement practices and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure business value. By focusing on outcomes, we help organisations realise the full potential of SAFe, from improved delivery speed to enhanced employee satisfaction.

Case studies

PM-Partners has successfully guided organisations like QBE, NSW Department of Customer Service, and Toyota Financial Services through SAFe transformations. For QBE, PM-Partners facilitated value stream identification and ART launches, improving delivery efficiency. The NSW Department of Customer Service benefited from tailored SAFe for Government training, enhancing mission agility. Toyota Financial Services achieved streamlined portfolio management, aligning funding with strategic goals. These case studies demonstrate PM-Partners’ ability to deliver measurable results.

Benefits of SAFe and PM-Partners in 2025

Implementing SAFe in 2025, with PM-Partners’ support, delivers transformative benefits across industries and government sectors.

Enhanced business agility

SAFe enables organisations to respond rapidly to market changes and customer needs. By organising around value streams and fostering cross-functional collaboration, businesses achieve faster time-to-market and improved product quality. PM-Partners’ coaching ensures seamless ART launches and PI Planning, maximising agility.

Improved leadership engagement

SAFe’s focus on Lean-Agile leadership empowers executives to champion transformation. PM-Partners’ training and change management expertise secure leadership buy-in, ensuring alignment between strategy and execution. This drives cultural shifts and sustainable adoption.

Streamlined portfolio management

Lean Portfolio Management aligns funding with business priorities, overcoming traditional budgeting challenges. PM-Partners’ guidance ensures organisations prioritise high-value initiatives, enhancing return on investment and customer satisfaction.

Measurable outcomes

SAFe’s emphasis on metrics and KPIs enables data-driven decision-making. PM-Partners embeds robust measurement frameworks, allowing organisations to track progress and demonstrate value. This leads to improved employee engagement, reduced delivery times, and higher customer satisfaction.

Government-specific benefits

SAFe for Government enhances mission agility, transparency, and resource efficiency. Agencies benefit from coordinated program execution, faster responses to citizen needs, and modernised IT systems. PM-Partners’ tailored training and coaching ensure government teams overcome barriers like project-centric planning and compliance challenges.

Overcoming implementation challenges

PM-Partners’ expertise addresses common SAFe challenges, such as value stream identification, role overload, and delivering SAFe in name only. Our hands-on support ensures organisations apply SAFe principles effectively, avoiding superficial adoption and maximising impact.

Conclusion

In 2025, the Scaled Agile Framework remains the gold standard for scaling Lean and Agile practices. Its adaptability, focus on outcomes, and global success make it essential for organisations seeking agility and innovation. For government agencies, SAFe for Government addresses mission-critical needs, delivering transparency and efficiency. PM-Partners Group enhances these benefits through tailored consulting, accredited training, and expert coaching. By addressing implementation challenges and driving measurable outcomes, PM-Partners ensures organisations achieve sustainable, enterprise-wide transformation. Whether in business or government, implementing SAFe with PM-Partners unlocks unparalleled agility and value in 2025.

 

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