What is Scrum Master? — UK Software Development Guide
Direct Answer
A Scrum Master is one of the three roles in the Scrum framework. The Scrum Master serves the Development Team, the Product Owner, and the organisation by facilitating Scrum events, removing impediments, coaching the team in Scrum practices, and protecting the team from external distractions. The Scrum Master is not a project manager — they do not direct the team or manage schedules.
Scrum-master in the UK
In the UK software development market, the Scrum Master role is often combined with other responsibilities in smaller teams — sometimes called a "Scrum Master / Delivery Lead" or similar hybrid. In government digital services (GDS), the Scrum Master is a standard role in the recommended team structure. UK IR35 considerations: a Scrum Master who is embedded in a client team, using client processes and tools, and providing ongoing services may be inside IR35 — the substitution test (can someone else do the role?) and control test apply.
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