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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
%%{ init: { 'theme': 'base' } }%% graph TD StaffGroup --> JobRole JobRole -->|Flexible relationship| AreaOfWork JobRole --> NHSOccupationCode StaffGroup -->|Constrained| JobRole

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
%%{ init: { 'theme': 'base' } }%% graph LR NHS_England -->|Implements| NWD HR -->|Uses| NWD Planners -->|Uses| NWD GP_Practices -->|Uses| NWD ThirdSector -->|Uses| NWD

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  • Retirement of outdated matrices
  • 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