Central Transformation Principles

This document provides a description of how measures in the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF), previously derived from the Short and Long Term Support (SALT) collection, can be derived from Client Level Data (CLD).

CLD is a new data collection, involving a change in the method of collection from aggregate to record level. Hence metrics derived from CLD cannot be expected to perfectly match those collected in SALT. Further, a small number of fields in SALT were not carried over to the CLD specification. The purpose of this document is to outline how the principles underlying CLD-based metrics align with the principles and definitions previously used by SALT and ASCOF. 

We are keen to emphasise that there is no requirement for local authorities to use these approaches to calculate figures for submission to NHS England. CLD submissions should continue to be made in line with the CLD collection guidance (found under ASC CLD specification on the AGEM CLD information pages). As set out in the CLD guidance, metrics will be derived centrally. This document is intended as a reference for users to describe the fields from CLD and methods used to reproduce the existing ASCOF measures, as well as describing known limitations. 

Methods have been developed in collaboration with local authority and DHSC analysts on our CLD SALT metrics reference group. The methodologies for the measures which form part of the new ASCOF are currently based on principles agreed for the equivalent metrics derived from SALT. These are designed for data where all fields have been completed in line with the CLD specification and guidance. The codes described in this document are designed to produce meaningful statistics for local authorities across the whole of England and as such a one-size-fits-all approach is understandablyneeded, the focus being on ensuring all over-arching principles are considered and accounted for in the processing of the data. Where required fields are incomplete, these methods will underestimate activity. For those interested in seeing the full SQL code, this is available through our NHS England github page along with information on how the CLD returns submitted by local authorities maps to the pseudonymised data fields that analysts access centrally. Users will be able to use CLD to select and analyse reporting periods of their choice, not just financial year reporting periods. For ease of illustration, dates quoted in this document relate to the financial year 2023/24 (snapshot date, 31 March 2024).

SALT will continue to be the primary source of information about local authority adult social care in 2023/24. ASCOF figures published in Autumn 2024 will use SALT as the data source.

Future ASCOF measures will be derived from CLD, however their definitions and methodologies may depart from those described in this document. As part of the ASCOF refresh and change in data source from SALT to CLD, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) may consider improving and broadening certain definitions for future updates, where CLD makes this possible. As described in DHSC’s CLD transparency statement, when developing analyses and metrics from CLD, they will work with local authorities to develop methods and metrics and interpret and contextualise analyses. The methods will be based on an assessment of data quality and a comparison with SALT, as well as the opportunities and challenges associated with the shift from a retrospective annual, aggregate collection to a quarterly record-level data collection.