Central transformation principles

This technical document provides a description of how metrics previously captured in 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 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 these CLD-based metrics align with the principles and definitions previously used by SALT.

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 SALT metrics, as well as describing known limitations.

Methods have been developed in collaboration with local authority and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) analysts on our CLD SALT metrics reference group. These are designed for data where all fields have been completed in line with the CLD specification and guidance. 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 pseudonymised data fields that NHSE and DHSC 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. In parallel to this, DHSC has started to publish new statistics from the CLD collection in the DHSC’s monthly statistics for adult  social care. The March publication included statistics on people receiving long-term support at the end of each month from 30 April to 31 December 2023, broken down by local authority, support setting and age group. As set out in the background quality and methodology accompanying the publication, the definitions are comparable to SALT LTS001b but not exactly the same.

Future adult social care activity statistics will be derived from CLD. They may depart from the methods adopted in SALT that are described in this document. DHSC will be responsible for publishing these activity statistics in future and may adapt methods to provide the most accurate description of activity. As outlined 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.

Future DHSC publications will include statistics from CLD, some of which have similarities to SALT.