Who the Advisory Group for Data (AGD) are and what they do

Following the transfer of the functions of NHS Digital on 1 February 2023 to NHS England, NHS England has established the Advisory Group for Data (AGD).

AGD includes independent members who can individually and collectively provide NHS England with expert advice and assurance on internal and external access to data. Such access is in relation to the exercise of NHS England’s functions transferred from NHS Digital under the Health and Social Care Information Centre (Transfer of Functions, Abolition and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023.

The establishment of the Group by NHS England seeks to build on the work of the previous NHS Digital Independent Group Advising on the Release of Data (IGARD). It is also in response to the Statutory Guidance: NHS England’s protection of patient data issued by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to NHS England under Section 274A of the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

Refer to the AGD Terms of Reference for further information.