Use GOV.UK domains and the GOV.UK design system
All public facing services must use a GOV.UK domain, or another public sector domain in line with the GOV.UK Proposition, and use the GOV.UK Design System.
To meet this commitment as part of Digital and Data function’s strategic commitments your plans must show how you will use GOV.UK and the GOV.UK Design System.
The GOV.UK Proposition explains what can go on a GOV.UK domain and what cannot. If you work for a government organisation or agency, you must follow the guidance in the GOV.UK proposition when you publish content or services.
When designing a service that will be on a GOV.UK domain, you must use the GOV.UK Design System. This is a curated set of designs, styles and patterns that teams can use to make their service consistent with GOV.UK.
Getting an exemption from using GOV.UK
If the Government Digital Service (GDS) agrees that a public facing service can have an exemption from using a GOV.UK domain an alternative secure public sector domain must be used.
If you are developing a service which will not be hosted on GOV.UK, you must still use the GOV.UK design system to support the build of your service with the exception of branding (including logos and fonts).
If you’re going through the spend control process you must explain how you’re meeting this commitment if your spend request has been rated high on the risk and importance framework or has an assurance rating of control.
Answering ‘no’ will not lead to an automatic rejection and you will need to explain why your spend cannot align to the commitment.