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Who are Professional Advisory Group (PAG) and what do they do

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PAG provides advice about access to and the use of GP data, including (but not limited to) data sharing applications for GP data received by NHS England including: GPES Data for Pandemic Planning and Research, (GDPPR), OpenSAFELY or other GP datasets.  

PAG enables NHS England to: 

  • maintain open dialogue with the profession about the responsible use of GP data

  • informally discuss practical issues and emerging requests regarding GP data

PAG provides NHS England with specific advice from the GP profession on 2 areas:

Part A: OpenSAFELY Direction and GPES data for pandemic planning and research (GDPPR) COVID-19 Public Health Directions 2020

Provide advice to NHS England on all applications made to process GP data as part of the OpenSAFELY Data Analytics Pilots Directions 2025 and COVID-19 Public Health Directions 2020.  

Provide advice on all official NHS England OpenSAFELY communication content prior to publication.  

Part B: Wider informal professional advice

Provide a forum for NHS England to seek advice and feedback on wider GP data matters, such as emerging requests for data access or service improvements. 

The advice supports NHS England as part of a wider strategy of understanding the perspective of the profession.  

PAG supplements but does not replace any duties to consult with the Joint GP IT Committee (JGPITC) of the British Medical Association (BMA) and Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).  

PAG informs but does not determine policy. 

Last edited: 18 June 2026 2:54 pm