The Technology Code of Practice

The Technology Code of Practice (TCoP) is the agreed standard for cross-government projects and programmes. It is designed to help you migrate from legacy infrastructure, and to manage the full lifecycle of your technology.

The TCoP supports the Local Digital Declaration, which is a shared ambition for designing future local public services.

Each of the 13 principles within the TCoP covers a different area of practice. Together, they explain why each principal matters, what’s expected of you, and how to apply that principle to your own project or programme.

During government procurement, suppliers on the G-Cloud framework are contractually required to support buyers in meeting the TCoP. 

You should also check with your department’s assurance team to confirm which TCoP points apply specifically to your own spending and assurance processes.

Unlike standards that apply only when a service is being formally assessed, the TCoP sets out principles for technology decision-making that apply throughout the life of your project or programme.  

The TCoP should be used alongside other related government standards and guidance. These include:

You should use the TCoP for all of your technology projects and programmes, and follow as many points as are practical. 

For more information about managing digital and technology spending and assurance, see the Digital Assurance Playbook.

Understand your users and their needs. Develop knowledge of your users and what that means for your technology project or programme.