The National Data Guardian annual report 2024-25 outlines the work carried out by the National Data Guardian for Health and Social Care, Dr Nicola Byrne, and her team, and sets out priority work areas for the remainder of Dr Byrne’s term in office, which concludes on 31 March 2027.
The National Data Guardian is responsible for ensuring the safe, appropriate and ethical use of people’s health and social care information, three objectives support the delivery of this mission including: Improving access to healthcare information, ensuing data is used ethically and legally for public benefit, and upholding the Caldicott Principles to support health and care organisations to make well-informed decisions about data.
The report recognises the importance of embedding the role of the Caldicott Guardian and the Caldicott Principles, patient confidentiality and public expectations in decision making, to ensure that data use is lawful, efficient, ethically sound and aligned with patient values.
“Everyone working in health and care, at all levels, needs to feel supported and well-informed when it comes to making decisions about people’s health and care information. In many instances, leadership around these activities falls to Caldicott Guardians.”
Download the full report
Featured Conference:
The Caldicott Guardian National Annual Conference
Fri, 22 May 2026 | 44 Hallam Street, London OR Virtual, Online
This conference we will take a practical approach to developing your Caldicott leadership skills, communicating in your role and examining Caldicott decision making. The event will include case studies and examples including access to records, domestic violence and safeguarding, AI, end of life care, paediatrics, private practice, the role in small and large organisations, and working with police.
