As the UK government continues its digital transformation journey, frameworks like Technology Services 4 (TS4) and Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 (DOS7) are reshaping how public sector organisations procure digital and ICT services. For certification bodies, understanding and staying up to date with these frameworks is essential.
Understanding TS4
The Technology Services 4 (TS4) framework, developed by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), is designed to streamline the procurement of ICT services across the UK public sector. It covers the full lifecycle of technology services from strategy and design to operational deployment and ongoing support.
Set to go live on 12 December 2025, TS4 succeeds the highly successful Technology Services 3, through which over £5 billion in contracts have already been awarded. It caters heavily to central government departments such as HMRC, the MoD, and the Home Office, but is also widely used by local authorities and the healthcare sector.
Why TS4 Matters for Certification Bodies
TS4 has introduced a notable shift toward compliance with ISO standards. While not mandatory, the CCS framework document outlines suppliers should demonstrate alignment with standards such as:
- ISO 27001:2022 – Information Security management systems
- ISO 22301:2019 – Business continuity management systems
- ISO/IEC 27031:2025 – Information and communication technology readiness for business continuity
- ISO 22313:2020 – Guidance on the use of ISO 22301
The CCS reserves the right to audit compliance annually, meaning organisations need robust, auditable systems that reflect these best practices.
For certification bodies, this creates an opportunity to:
- Support clients in demonstrating and maintaining ISO certifications aligned with TS4 requirements.
- Ensure internal readiness to support large-scale, government-aligned audits and assessments.
DOS7: Enabling Agile Digital Delivery
The Digital Outcomes and Specialists 7 (DOS7) framework supports the UK Government’s push for agile, outcome-based delivery of digital, data, and technology (DDaT) services. Suppliers can offer both full teams and individual specialists across a broad range of services, including:
- Service design and user research
- Software development and testing
- Cybersecurity and service delivery
- Data analysis and performance measurement
DOS7 prioritises providers who can demonstrate alignment with international standards, reinforcing quality, security, and user-centred design.
Strategic Implications for Certification Bodies
1. Stay Aligned with Framework Objectives
Understanding the goals, timelines, and structure of frameworks like TS4 and DOS7 ensures your services are relevant and targeted.
2. Support Supplier Readiness
Many organisations engaging with these frameworks will look for expert guidance and certification to meet framework expectations. Certification bodies are uniquely positioned to support.
3. Enable Continuous Compliance
Annual audits and rolling compliance checks mean certification isn’t a one-off task, it’s an ongoing process. Certification bodies can lead this journey by offering continual assurance, gap analysis, and advisory services, such as IAN Network, helping clients address areas for improvement without compromising impartiality.
4. Engage Early in the Market
By participating in pre-market engagement essions and staying close to CCS updates, certification bodies can adapt early, shape best practice, and support their clients through change.
To learn how ISOQAR can help your organisation prepare for TS4 and DOS7 alignment, get in touch today.
