Common components

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Part of
Architecture: work in progress collection
Last reviewed
14 October 2026
Owner
Head of Architecture

Content Management Systems

A Content Management System (CMS) allows users to create, manage, modify, publish and store digital content in one place.

‘Headless’ content management is being used increasingly within services in the department. This is a back-end only CMS that makes content accessible via a RESTful API, for display through one or more front-end channels.

CMS products support collaboration across teams, with multiple users being able to work on content in the back-end of the CMS, allowing for quick and easy updates. CMS users can customise the design and functionality of the front-end by using templates and extensions.

Contentful is the department’s preferred headless CMS product, which is currently in use by a number of services. Contentful has an enterprise license plan and support, and has been assured for use in DfE, meaning teams can purchase the space size they need and incorporate into their service easily. For more information, contact the digital tools support team via their Digital Tools SharePoint site (opens in new tab, DfE SharePoint users only) (link opens in new tab)

Other CMS products either in use or have been considered across the department are:

Benefits of using a CMS include:

  1. No coding knowledge required - eenables non-developers and other users to build websites without coding. It’s important to note that most CMS applications do allow users to add custom code for more granular control.

  2. Easy collaboration - multiple users can access and work in the back end of a CMS at the same time.

  3. Features, extensions and templates - CMS applications offer built-in features as well as add-ons to customise digital content.

  4. Easier updates - enables users to make changes to digital content faster and easier, to keep content dynamic and relevant.

This Excel table (DfE SharePoint users only) provides an overview of the slightly different set of features and capabilities of each one.

If you’re considering CMS options, please discuss your needs with the Design community in DfE Teams (DfE user only). Work on the strategy for information services within DfE is ongoing.