Datasets in support of statutory duties

Below is a list of data sets that are available to organisations to support them in performing their statutory duties.

If you are unable to find the dataset you are looking for or would like to request a change to an existing dataset, you can submit a Work Item Request to have it added.

These forms are examined and collated on a quarterly basis, and feedback will be provided to requestors.  

Commissioning is not one action but many, ranging from the health-needs assessment for a population, through the clinically based design of patient pathways, to service specification and contract negotiation or procurement, with continuous quality assessment. NHS England supports other NHS organisations to work in partnership to deliver better outcomes for our patients and communities and provide value for taxpayers.

DHSC uses linked datasets to support strategic oversight and policy development in adult social care. Under the Care Act 2014, DHSC is responsible for ensuring that care systems are effective, equitable, and responsive to population needs. Using the data enables the department to monitor system wide performance, evaluate the impact of national programmes, and inform future policy direction.

The Health and Social Care (Safety and Quality) Act 2015 reinforces the importance of consistent and safe information sharing across the health and care system. By leveraging linked data, DHSC can identify trends, address inequalities, and support the design of integrated care models that align with national priorities and improve outcomes at scale.

Local authorities are permitted to access data and link it with data they hold to fulfil their statutory duties in both public health and adult social care. Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and the Care Act 2014, they are responsible for both promoting population health and ensuring the wellbeing of adults with care and support needs. Linked data helps authorities understand local health inequalities, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and target resources more effectively.

These linkages also support integrated service delivery, particularly for individuals receiving both health and social care. The Health and Social Care (Safety and Quality) Act 2015 provides a legal foundation for safe and appropriate data sharing, enabling local authorities to improve coordination across services, reduce preventable illness, and design more responsive care systems.

ICBs have taken over the statutory responsibility for commissioning most NHS services previously held by clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). ICBs use the commissioning process to plan, purchase and monitor health and care services for their population. ICB commissioning comprises a range of activities, including: assessing needs, setting priorities, planning and/or procuring services and monitoring quality. For further information on your local ICB's use of data please visit their website.

Risk stratification is a tool used by GPs and ICBs for identifying and predicting which patients are at high risk, or are likely to be at high risk and prioritising the management of their care in order to prevent worse outcomes. For further information on your local ICBs use of data please visit their website.

Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It uses NHS data to ensure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care and we encourage care services to improve.