Information governance transformation plan
Information governance (IG) is about how to manage and access information safely and securely. It is often perceived as technically difficult, complex and something to be feared. This has two main consequences:
- data is often not being shared, even when it would enhance care and improve services
- health and care organisations across the system are facing challenges with the recruitment and retention of IG professionals
- IG is often avoided until the last minute, leading to poorly designed outcomes and awkward systems
We need to change the experience of those who work in IG and those who work with IG so it is perceived as integral to excellent care.
The challenge
Those working in IG roles hold a diverse range of skillsets. There are no common competency frameworks, job roles or qualifications for IG staff working across health and care. Surveys of IG staff reveal a demand for greater resource, professional structure, accreditation, and more attractive career pathways, to provide them with the appropriate skills and support to fulfil these demanding roles.
Our plan for change
In the Data saves lives strategy we committed to developing a national information governance transformation plan, focusing on practical data-sharing situations, creating professional standards and addressing training for frontline staff.
Our plan aims to accomplish change by:
- supporting the development of a professional workforce with the skills, career paths, qualifications, support and culture needed to build a credible and confident profession
- championing the appropriate use of information and a delivery focused, problem-solving approach
We are engaging with IG colleagues and stakeholders around this plan.
Discovery phase
We have begun a discovery process to understand the scope and resource required to address gaps with appropriately costed and planned outputs.
The areas we are exploring within the discovery phase include professional career frameworks, specialised professional qualifications and a professional body.
IG stakeholders and professionals who would like to comment or attend a presentation about the plan are invited to contact england.igpolicyteam@nhs.net