Dear Colleagues

You may have heard or seen news reports that the IG toolkit is to be scrapped. I can reassure you that this is not the case. There is a programme of work underway to improve the IGT, to increase its relevance for senior managers, its accessibility for small organisations and its focus on the new data security standards recommended by the National Data Guardian. The changes will also increase the focus on timely reporting of incidents and will reduce administrative burden on NHS organisations. Consultation on the improved approach is underway and many of you are participating in this process. We are keen to continue to receive your views in order to shape this work and ensure that the changes reflect user needs. In the meantime all organisations handling patient data must continue to implement the requirements in the current IG toolkit and evidence this via the toolkit website by 31 March 2017.