The review will entail a series of discussions with key agencies and stakeholders.

The simple starting question is: what information and intelligence is needed for day to day management purposes in adult social care, and of that resource, what is agreed to be shared above local level for a consistent policy, regulatory and public use purpose?

The recommendations of the zero-based review will be developed and implemented to replace all current social care data requirements and minimise burdens on local authorities (on the grounds that ‘burden' arises where less value is gained from the information than the effort required to produce it). All proposals will be co-produced with the social care sector and will be subject to consultation, following National Statistics guidelines.

The key stakeholders for the future data set arising from the ZBR, the key agents to engage in the process, are split into seven main groups:

• Sector leaders (ADASS, LGA, IDeA)
• Policy makers (DH, CLG)
• Regulators (CQC, Monitor)
• User and carer representative organisations
• Social care providers (e.g. ECCA )
• Information system suppliers and intermediaries
• The research community and users of the NASCIS

All the groups above will be engaged through the ZBR – initially with more targeted, sector-by-sector meetings, and subsequently through broader engagement.

Consultation process so far

2011 Consultation on National Adult Social Care Data Developments

More information on engagement and consultation will follow.