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How do NHS trusts and councils buy digital tools for autistic children?

Common buying routes like the Health and Social Care Apps DPS and G-Cloud, the checks involved, and how to run a sensible pilot.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 1 min read
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The short answer

Public sector buyers in the UK usually use approved routes to market. For health apps, NHS London Procurement Partnership runs a Health and Social Care Apps Dynamic Purchasing System. For cloud software, many use Crown Commercial Service's G-Cloud framework. Buyers also check assurance such as DTAC, data protection and security, and often start with a small, time-limited pilot.

Key takeaways
  • Buyers use approved routes, such as the Health and Social Care Apps DPS and G-Cloud.
  • Assurance checks like DTAC and data protection apply.
  • Start with a small, measured pilot.
  • Involve families and frontline staff from the start.

What routes do buyers use?

Common UK public sector routes
RouteRun byUsed for
Health and Social Care Apps DPSNHS London Procurement PartnershipCondition-specific apps and web platforms
G-Cloud 14Crown Commercial ServiceCloud software and services
Direct award or quotesThe organisationSmall purchases within its own rules

Sources: NHS LPP and Crown Commercial Service.12

What checks are involved?

For health settings, DTAC is the baseline for digital health technologies, alongside data protection and security checks.3 See What is DTAC?

How should a pilot run?

  1. Define the need: for example, reducing distress at appointments for autistic children.
  2. Choose a small group of staff and families.
  3. Agree measures: family feedback, staff time, missed appointments.
  4. Set a fixed period, like 8 to 12 weeks.
  5. Decide next steps based on results.

What can we do next?

0 of 3 done

Talk to us about your organisation

Common questions

Not currently. If your organisation wants to explore it, contact us and we'll follow your procurement process.

Sources

  1. NHS London Procurement Partnership: Health and Social Care Apps Dynamic Purchasing System. lpp.nhs.uk
  2. Crown Commercial Service: G-Cloud 14 (RM1557.14). crowncommercial.gov.uk
  3. NHS AI and Digital Regulations Service: Using DTAC. digitalregulations.innovation.nhs.uk

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Rules and services differ by country, region and school, so always check your local guidance and your organisation's policies. How we write our guides.

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