Why is there a National Information Governance Board for Health and Social Care?

A review of Information Governance (PDF, 469Kb) in the Department of Health and the wider NHS carried out in 2005 commented on the absence of a single coordinating body which could be a single authoritative source of advice or arbitration, where there was disagreement about best practice. The review recommended that a National Information Governance Board covering both Health and Social Care should be established and this recommendation was accepted by Ministers.

What the NIGB is in place to do

Overall the role of the NIGB is to support improvements to information governance practice in health and social care.

The terms of reference (PDF, 14Kb) of the NIGB outline the roles, scope and purpose of the Board.

The NIGB have a set of principles (PDF, 25Kb) that are followed to promote a consistent approach to decision making and the provision of advice and guidance.

• Find out more about the NIGB members.
• Refer to the NIGB meetings section to find dates, minutes and papers of Board meetings, along with associated policies.
• A number of publications of the NIGB are available, including responses to consultations.
• View the board structure (PDF, 20Kb), including the members, groups and committees.
• Find out about the NIGB Strategic Plan 2010-2013 (PDF, 44Kb)
• NIGB Business Plan 2010-2011 (PDF, 87Kb)