Ztest standard4: Implementation Guidance
National Workforce Data Set (NWD) Version 3.6 – Requirements Specification (page 1 of 1) in National Workforce Data Set (NWD) Version 3.6 – Requirements Specification (chapter 2 of 3) within Ztest standard4: Implementation Guidance
Document Reference: DAPB1067 Amd 2/2025
Publication Date: 18 February 2025
Authors: Jill Clark, Lalita Wakde
Owner: Alyson Whitmarsh
Status: Final
Glossary of Terms
- AHP: Allied Health Professions
- ESR: Electronic Staff Record
- HR: Human Resources
- NHSE: NHS England
- Third Sector: Charities, voluntary orgs, CICs
- Trac: NHS recruitment platform
- WIRG: Workforce Information Review Group
- wMDS: Workforce Minimum Data Set
1. Overview
1.1 Background and Context
The NWD facilitates the capture of consistent NHS workforce data via structured data definitions. It supports the wMDS and is embedded in operational systems like ESR and Trac.
Key data items include:
- Staff Group
- Job Role
- Area of Work
- NHS Occupation Code
Data values must be kept current to ensure appropriate role combinations. NWD supports a wide range of use cases, including HR, training, diversity monitoring, and planning.
1.2 Supporting Documents
- NWD3.6 Implementation Guidance
- NWD3.6 Data Set Specification
- NHS Occupation Code Manual v22
1.3 Scope
NWD is a reference data standard, not a data flow. It can be embedded in various HR systems across providers of NHS-funded care.
1.3.1 Users of the NWD
The following groups use NWD:
- NHS HR and Workforce planners
- Trusts, GPs, PCNs
- Regulators, e.g. CQC
- Third Sector, Social Enterprises
- NHS England & regions
1.3.2 Exclusions
NWD does not:
- Act as a data collection mechanism
- Define full HR systems
- Replace postgraduate deanery systems
- Define local organisation structures
1.3.3 Future Development
Ongoing developments target improved coverage for:
- DDaT workforce (Digital, Data and Tech roles)
- Equality monitoring fields
- Retirement of outdated matrices
1.4 Related Standards
- DCB0028: Treatment Function
- DAPB0011: Mental Health Services Data Set
- DAPB1069: Community Services Data Set
- DAPB4034: Primary Care Network Workforce Data
Page last updated: 06 July 2026