Commissioned by DHSC Help shape how health data is used across the NHS
GPs and practice managers across England are invited to provide their views on how patient data is used across the NHS - and genuinely influence national policy.
Important decisions are being made — and you can help shape them
The Department of Health and Social Care is running a programme of national engagement with GPs and practice managers on the use of health data — for example, how patient data is used for individual care, the planning and commissioning of NHS services and health-related research.
Decisions are being made now that will shape how patient data is used in the future. This is an opportunity for GP and practice manager voices to influence policy at a national level.
These decisions could affect your patients, your practice, and your professional responsibilities. GPs and practice managers will be at the centre of delivering these changes — as decision makers, as trusted professionals, and as the people who explain data choices to patients. DHSC wants to continue to ensure that health data is used in the most effective way to help deliver patient care.
This is a structured programme of engagement, not a tick-box consultation. Your input will shape policy and legislation — and findings will be published and made publicly available.
The engagement covers the use of patient data across three key areas:
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Individual patient care
When and how other health professionals can access and add to the GP patient record.
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Planning and population health management
How patient data is used for routine planning at regional and national levels.
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Health research
How GP patient data is used for research into new treatments and medications.
Is this for you?
We are looking to hear from GPs and practice managers across England — in all types of practice, all roles, and all parts of the country.
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GPs
Salaried GPs, GP partners and locum GPs, at all career stages, from early to late career currently working in England
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Practice managers
Practice managers and senior practice staff involved in the day-to-day running of GP practices in England
We are especially keen to hear from those working in rural, coastal, and deprived areas; in single-handed or small practices; and with patient populations including refugees, asylum seekers, and other underserved groups. A diversity of backgrounds, experience levels, and perspectives is essential to the quality of this work.
What happens and when
The programme runs from summer to autumn 2026, with different opportunities to get involved at each stage.
- June 2026 Registration survey opens
- July 2026 Inside View: Get up to speed with a recorded expert briefing, available on-demand.
- July and September 2026 In-depth small group workshops (invited; register your interest through the survey)
- October 2026 National summit (invited subset of workshop participants)
- October 2026 Online event to share and test the findings (open to all GPs and practice managers)
Flexible ways to have your say
We know time is precious. This programme has been designed so that you can choose the level of involvement that works for you — from a ten-minute survey to more in-depth workshops.
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Survey
Share your views and preferences on patient data sharing. Register interest to receive updates and/or to participate in small-group workshops.
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Inside View: A recorded expert briefing
Hear directly from DHSC policy leads on proposed changes to how GP data is used. Get up to speed in an hour, recording available on-demand.
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Pulse surveys
Short focussed questions on specific topics as the programme develops. Sent periodically to all registered participants.
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In-depth workshops — by invitation
A representative group will be selected from registered participants to take part in a structured deliberative process — online and in-person sessions across several weeks, working directly with policy leads to develop recommendations.
Ready to have your say?
Register your interest with the survey. It takes ten minutes and commits you to nothing.
Already registered? You will hear from us shortly with your first invitation.