The Innovator Passport: A Step Forward, or Just Another Stamp in the Queue?
The NHS’s new Innovator Passport, announced as part of the latest 10-Year Plan, is being talked about as a big step forward. In theory, it offers a single, joined-up way for digital health products to navigate the system, a central process that could save time, reduce duplication, and help good ideas scale faster.
It’s a promising idea. But it also sounds a lot like something we’ve heard before.
Let’s look at DTAC. Launched back in 2021, the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria was meant to bring a clear, consistent standard for digital health across the NHS. It set out the rules around clinical safety, data protection, usability and so on. Four and a half years later, it’s still not being used consistently. In many places, it’s barely used at all. Some regions follow it closely, others do their own thing. The result is that many innovators are still repeating the same assessments over and over, just framed slightly differently each time.
So when we hear promises about a streamlined, centralised process, we need to ask: how will this be different?
If it works, it could be a game-changer
If done properly, the Innovator Passport could solve a lot of problems. Right now, the process for getting a digital product into the NHS is complex and inconsistent. A national route, one that gives assurance, provides support, and is trusted by commissioners, would be a big win. It would help remove unnecessary barriers and allow the system to focus on backing products that are safe, effective and ready to scale.
But unless the process is actually used and respected across the system, it won’t make a difference. And based on what we’ve seen with DTAC, we know that a good idea on paper doesn’t always translate into real-world change.
Let’s not repeat the same mistakes
DTAC had the right intentions. But it never really got embedded. There was no mandate to use it, and no national follow-through to make sure it was applied consistently. That led to confusion for innovators and frustration for commissioners. In too many places, it became optional, just another thing to add to a checklist.
If the Innovator Passport is going to work, it needs to avoid the same traps:
- Make it count: If a product has gone through the Passport process, that should carry weight. ICSs and Trusts should be expected to recognise it, not run their own separate assessments.
- Build on what’s already there: Don’t create another standalone framework. This needs to align with DTAC. One process, not two.
- Fund it properly: Innovators shouldn’t be left to figure it all out on their own. The centre needs to offer real support, guidance, and onboarding, not just another toolkit.
What innovators really need
Most people working in digital health aren’t asking for shortcuts, they just want a clear, fair and consistent route into the system. Right now, it’s not clear. Every region has its own version of the rules. And even when national standards exist, like DTAC, they’re not applied in a joined-up way.
The Innovator Passport has the potential to change that. But it will only work if it actually opens doors. If regions can still ignore it, or run their own versions, it won’t fix the problem. It’ll just add another layer.
This is a chance to get it right
There’s a lot to like about the idea of an Innovator Passport. The goals are the right ones. But we’ve been here before. If this is going to be more than just another policy promise, it needs to be backed by action, and that means national consistency, clear incentives, and proper support.
This is a chance to learn from DTAC and build something better. Let’s not waste it.
If you’re a digital health supplier trying to reach patients faster, or an organisation keen to support access to trusted digital tools, we’d love to talk. Get in touch at: Jordan.Hawkings@ORCHAHealth.com.
By Jordan Hawkings, Business Development Manager, ORCHA.