NHS IT, Records and Data

Independent review group for sensitive NHS Digital data launched

An independent review group has been put in place to scrutinise applications for sensitive NHS Digital data through the Data Access Request Service (DARS).  

The group, called IGARD, considers applications for information through DARS and replaces the Data Access Advisory Group.

IGARD aims to improve accountability, quality and transparency through independent scrutiny of NHS Digital data disseminations, whilst also providing a voice for stakeholders and members of the public.

Chris Carrigan, independent chair of IGARD, said: “The IGARD members have an essential role in overseeing and advising NHS Digital on data releases.

“Keeping the balance between using data for the right reasons and protecting those to whom the data relates is a challenging task, but one the group will embrace.”

His colleague Rob Shaw, NHS Digital’s chief operating officer, commented: “IGARD will streamline existing processes and ensure that our data collection, processing and sharing continues to be independently scrutinised by a balanced group of lay and expert members.

The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) was renamed to NHS Digital last July, and its  head of security, Dan Taylor, recently discussed the importance of data security being on the leadership agenda.

Last year, in Dame Fiona Caldicott’s review, the National Data Guardian suggested that HSCIC should take advantage of changing its name to NHS Digital to emphasise to “the public that it is part of the NHS ‘family’, while continuing to serve the social care and health system as a whole”.

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