Building a UK government digital service: meet GDS 18-point standard, achieve WCAG 2.1 AA (mandatory under PSBAR 2018), obtain Cyber Essentials (mandatory for G-Cloud contracts), use GOV.UK Design System, pass GDS assessment at Alpha/Beta/Live. Costs: £30,000–£500,000 depending on complexity.
Building software for UK government requires meeting the GDS 18-Point Service Standard, WCAG 2.1 AA mandatory compliance (PSBAR 2018), Cyber Essentials certification, and G-Cloud procurement alignment. This guide walks through the complete process from user research to GDS service assessment and live launch.
Common questions about how to build a govtech service in the uk — gds 18-point standard, g-cloud & wcag (2025).
Yes — the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018 (PSBAR) make WCAG 2.1 AA compliance legally mandatory for all UK public sector websites and mobile apps. The Cabinet Office monitors compliance. Non-compliant services must publish an accessibility statement explaining the non-compliance and remediation plan. There is no grace period for new services.
G-Cloud is the Crown Commercial Service framework for buying cloud software, hosting, and support. Listing on G-Cloud (currently G-Cloud 14) enables public sector buyers to procure without a full OJEU tender process. To list: create a Digital Marketplace account, pass the standard supplier declaration, and create service listings describing your services, pricing, and terms. G-Cloud listing is renewed annually.
About the Author
ClickMasters GovTech Team How to Build a GovTech Service in the UK specialists This guide reflects direct experience building these systems.
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