Improvements to our validation process

The NHS Benchmarking Network takes pride in the quality of the data we collect from, and share with, our members. A significant part of ensuring the quality of this data is the validation process undertaken following every data collection period.

Whilst essential, this process can be complex and time consuming; both for the Network team and for participating members, and this has historically been managed via email. But 2023 saw the introduction and testing of a new approach.

For the first time, participating organisations were able to view and respond to validation queries directly via our Members’ Area through a new dedicated validations page, resulting in a smoother process for all involved, improved response rates to validation queries, and an overall improvement to the quality of data in our toolkits.

These updates were driven by user feedback, both within the team and from participating members, and are the result of a collaborative effort between the sector teams and our Development Hub.

The team continue to look for ways of improving our Members’ Area and making the process of data collection simpler for our members, and there will be more updates to come in 2024.