People who develop new information standards normally have a set of complex information requirements that must be met across England in the same way. Ideally the proposed information standard will be based upon professional standards developed in the community so there is little or no argument about the best way to accomplish the goal.

An information standard ensures that information is managed in a consistent manner across health and social care, both by the computers and the staff. It represents a quality mark showing that there is a consensus across the community for its use. It is, however, but one way of managing information in the NHS. It is not suited to many situations, for example where timescales are short or the method has not been proven.

Where standards are appropriate, approval by the ISB provides the following:

• It represents approval from the regulators, professions, supplier community, NHS and social care.
• The ISB assurance process ensures that the standard has attained a level of quality. This equates to an OGC Gateway review for project and programme management.
• The ISB has excellent communication routes into the NHS. This is important to ensure the message is heard by the right people.

Further Information

If you are considering developing an information standard, please contact us. You should also:

• Use the Library to find out what information standards already exist.
• Read how to develop a new standard.
• Join our mailing list to be informed of new activity.