NHS Data Architecture principles
Data is most powerful when everyone is on the same page. Our agreed-upon data principles provide a clear framework, reducing confusion and rework across teams. By using a common set of standards, you can collaborate more easily and align your work with our strategic aspirations.
These 4 principles are the result of extensive collaboration and have been refined to offer a practical framework for data design and delivery.
We invite you to explore and adopt them to ensure your projects are built on a solid foundation.
Core principles
Beneficial data
- is lawfully processed, in accordance with its lawful basis and clear ethical purpose
- is routinely assessed for data quality and for benefit versus cost
- is transparent and easy to use (abides by FAIR principles)
- makes a positive difference
- uses unique, resolvable, coded identifiers for identifiable entities
Valued data
- is managed as a corporate asset through its lifecycle, including change governance
- has clear and accountable ownership
- is well described and documented (for example, unambiguous) with comprehensive and available metadata
- has intellectual property rights managed appropriately
Secure data
- is processed with relevant safeguards and controls
- is available and accessible in line with access controls
- protects personal and sensitive information
- is destroyed when no longer required
Consistent data
- correctly implements relevant standards, including for reference or master data and for data models
- uses standards co-designed with stakeholders
- must enable reuse and linkage
Revision and approval history
Revision history
| Version | Date | Summary of changes |
| V0.4 | 23 September 2025 | Cut down to just the principles re-written to be more concise and clear, descriptions and examples moved to a separate document. |
| V0.3 | 9 April 2025 | Made data architecture work areas more prominent, in response to feedback from Data Design Authority (DDA). Added more direct care examples, graphic representation and made an appendix document |
| V0.2 | 9 February 2025 | Elaborated on the principles and incorporated changes in structure and clarifying intend requested by Data Architecture Review Panel (DARP) |
| V0.1 | Further simplified and grouped – taken approved at DARP | |
| V0.0b | Simplified the principles, to make it clearer and more impactful to lay audience | |
| V0.0a |
Initial document, building on previous work |
Approved by
| Version | Date | Name of board(s) |
| V0.2 | 1 April 2025 | DDA |
| V0.2 | 27 March 2025 | DARP |
| V0.1 | 4 March 2025 | DDA |
| V0.1 | 14 February 2025 | DARP |
Last edited: 23 September 2026 12:45 pm