Each information standard goes through a rigorous appraisal process based on the identification of risks and issues. The standard is appraised by subject matter experts (known as appraisers) recruited from the NHS and supplier communities. It is led through the process by a domain lead and standards manager to ensure that the process is as seamless as possible.

The aim of the appraisal process is to ensure that all risks and issues are identified; and then resolved or mitigated such that an information standard meets the quality criteria for approval. The acceptance and management of risks and issues by the sponsor and developer of the standard is critical to an information standard being approved.

Domain Lead

The domain lead is responsible for the strategic development of a specific area of information standards. They bring a broad understanding of health and social care and a national reputation and network of contacts in a specific domain area.

The domain lead manages the assurance of prospective and approved information standards from proposal through to implementation, maintenance and retirement. They manage the resolution of significant issues identified during the appraisal process.

Appraiser

The appraiser is a subject matter expert in a specific area impacted by an information standard. They are independent of the developers. Their purpose is to ensure that the prospective information standard is fit for purpose for the NHS and social care based upon the standard quality criteria. Appraisers give constructive, structured advice to the developers of standards. Their advice explains how to improve their standard submissions to meet the standards criteria along with any associated implementation and user guidance. 

Information Standards Manager

The information standards manager is responsible for co-ordinating the assurance of information standards through a process of formal appraisal including the proposals for implementation, maintenance and retirement.