NHS Corporate and Information Governance

What is Governance?

Governance is the framework within the NHS directed towards patient safety, quality, resources and defining responsibilities. Development and maintenance of effective governance is a central part of the NHS in the 21st Century.

Corporate Governance

The NHS responded positively to the principles of sound Corporate Governance as recommended by Cadbury, Nolan and others adopting the concept of Controlled Assurance. This required Boards of Health Authorities and Trusts to ensure that systems are in place within the organisation to ensure that risks are assessed and properly managed. The requirement to produce a statement accompanying the Annual Report and Accounts is confirmation to the general public that the Board of Directors believe these systems are in place and operating effectively.

Clinical Governance is the system through which the NHS organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services to patients and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which clinical excellence will flourish.

Visit GOV.UK for guidance documents and further information.

Information Governance

For guidance see Legal and Professional Obligations on the range of legal and professional obligations that affect the management and disclosure of primarily NHS information but also some social care requirements. The guidance has separate sections reflecting specialist legislation on each topic with cross-references to relevant standards and conditions and to professional codes of conduct.

Downloadable Files

Download the file on NHS Governance fact sheet

This content is correct at time of publication