Gaining approval
The approval process has been developed into stages to provide a step by step guide in gaining approval to collect health and social care information.
The flow chart gives the breakdown on each of the stages, which is supported by a detailed explanation of the process and the roles involved.
What you need to do
If you are considering a new or changed return, you should allow between five to six weeks (see Schedule of Dates 2011- 2013). If more urgent clearance is required, please contact ROCR Secretariat at the earliest opportunity to discuss further arrangements.
Make a submission
The ROCR Application system is now online and all submissions should be completed using our new online application form. The system can be accessed at the URL located to the right of this page. For a change or review of an existing collection the application form needs the collections ROCR number. If you are unaware of the ROCR number check in our Information Catalogue or contact the ROCR team.
New criteria
If your application is for a new or change to an existing Department of Health (DH) return, could you please complete the additional form which gives you the opportunity to show that the proposal meets the criteria for collections of data from the NHS which are funded, commissioned or taken by the Department of Health (DH). Otherwise, if your collection is for an Arms Length Body (ALB) return, please contact rocr@ic.nhs.uk to obtain the relevant additional form for the defined function of your ALB. If you have an existing return with no changes, you may not need to complete the additional form. Please contact rocr@ic.nhs.uk to discuss your requirements. If your application is for an organisation other than the DH or ALB, you will not need to complete an additional form.
Who is involved?
We seek the views of several individuals and organisations that advise us on the policy relevance and the actual burden to the NHS in the collection of information.
These include: