Roles and responsibilities of Advisory Group for Data (AGD) members

The Chair of AGD must be an independent member.

The Chair leads AGD and chairs meetings of AGD. The Chair is expected, as part of their role, to maintain relationships with relevant bodies and external stakeholders, for example the National Data Guardian, the Health Research Authority Confidentiality Advisory Group, to understand and inform the AGD’s advice to NHS England in relation to its data use and sharing and in relation to the National Data Guardian, to support the National Data Guardian to effectively discharge their functions.

Up to two Deputy Chairs (also independent members) will be agreed on an annual basis between the Chair and all of the members of AGD, to deputise in the Chair’s absence.

Independent members do not otherwise hold substantive employment contracts with NHS England. They do not represent any employer, professional body, or any other group or organisation but bring with them their individual experience, knowledge, and expertise. 

Specialist members provide relevant skills and experience in the use of confidential data from different disciplines, for example law, ethics, research, analysis, adult social care, and clinical practice, including practicing clinicians. Clinicians should include clinicians from primary care and secondary care, and those with responsibilities for operational performance.

Lay members provide expert experience as a patient, participant in a research study, unpaid carer, or service user, or bring knowledge and experience of patient and public engagement and advocacy.

NHS England nominate members to represent the following NHS England officers:

• the Caldicott Guardian
• the Chief Data and Analytics Officer
• the Data Protection Officer

Each officer nominates individuals with suitable seniority, experience, knowledge, capacity and expertise to represent them as a member in AGD. Officers can nominate more than one individual to represent them.

Please refer to the AGD Terms of Reference for further information.