# 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.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/nhs-council-digital-procurement
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**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?

| Route | Run by | Used for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Health and Social Care Apps DPS | NHS London Procurement Partnership | Condition-specific apps and web platforms |
| G-Cloud 14 | Crown Commercial Service | Cloud software and services |
| Direct award or quotes | The organisation | Small purchases within its own rules |

Sources: NHS LPP and Crown Commercial Service.[1][2]

## 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?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/nhs-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.

**Where The Autism Kit stands.** Children's routines and photos stay on the device. We haven't completed DTAC, DSPT or Cyber Essentials yet, and we're
  not on these frameworks. Tell us what your process requires and we'll work through it with you.

**Ask families.** Families of autistic children often know exactly which part of a service is hardest. Ask them before choosing a tool.

## What can we do next?

- [ ] Write the need in one paragraph
- [ ] Check which route to market fits
- [ ] Plan a small pilot with clear measures

[Talk to us about your organisation](https://theautismkit.com/schools#contact)

## Common questions

### Is The Autism Kit on these frameworks?

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

### Can families buy the app themselves instead?

Yes. The Autism Kit is available in the UK App Store, and families can buy it directly.

### What makes a good pilot?

A clear need, a small group, a fixed period, simple measures agreed upfront and a plan for what happens after.

## Sources

1. NHS London Procurement Partnership: Health and Social Care Apps Dynamic Purchasing System. https://www.lpp.nhs.uk/categories/digital-technology-solutions/health-social-care-apps-dynamic-purchasing-system-dps/
2. Crown Commercial Service: G-Cloud 14 (RM1557.14). https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/agreements/RM1557.14
3. NHS AI and Digital Regulations Service: Using DTAC. https://digitalregulations.innovation.nhs.uk/regulations-and-guidance-for-developers/all-developers-guidance/using-the-digital-technology-assessment-criteria-dtac/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.