UK NDG

Survey Findings on Barriers to Direct Care Information Sharing

The National Data Guardian (NDG) published a survey report on barriers to health and care professionals sharing information to support direct care. Commissioned in late 2019, the online survey aimed to understand perceived obstacles to appropriate information sharing. The report includes four recommendations for educational initiatives to improve direct care information sharing practices.

NDG Statement on Patient Data Reflective Practice Safeguards

The National Data Guardian published a position statement on 27 November 2025 clarifying when regulated health and social care professionals in England may access confidential patient information for reflective practice purposes. The statement establishes safeguards and limits for data access, explains the application of Caldicott Principles, and underpins NHS England guidance on using information for reflective practice published the same day.

Co-Designed Communications on Health and Care Data Expectations

The National Data Guardian published research testing whether co-designed communications can help people understand and expect specific uses of their health and care data. Working with NHS Screening Quality Assurance Service and Population Health Management programmes, the research found that well-designed materials can successfully inform people and set accurate expectations about data use, including safeguards. The findings provide practical insights for health and care organisations on communicating transparently about data use to reduce surprise.

NDG Briefing on Data Use and Access Bill

The National Data Guardian published a briefing on the Data (Use and Access) Bill as part of their statutory duty to advise on matters affecting health and care data. The document outlines NDG's views on the bill, highlighting provisions they support while identifying areas requiring further consideration. The briefing was shared with the Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology before being published for transparency and parliamentary support.

NDG 2024-25 Work Report, Priorities Through March 2027

The National Data Guardian (NDG) published its 2024-25 annual report covering activities from April 2024 to March 2025. The report accounts for the work of Dr Nicola Byrne and her office in advising on health and social care data use. The NDG also outlines priority work areas through the conclusion of Dr Byrne's term on 31 March 2027.