National Competency Framework for Data: Adoption, Impact & Evidence Review

NHS England is seeking a supplier to undertake an independent, evidence-led review of the National Competency Framework (NCF) for Data Professionals. The NCF is a nationally recognised framework that defines the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by data and analytics professionals across the NHS and wider public sector and is intended to support workforce development, professionalisation, career progression and organisational workforce planning.

The purpose of this review is to establish a clear understanding of the current awareness, adoption and use of the NCF, assess available evidence of its impact and benefits, and identify the factors that support or hinder adoption across the health and care system. The review will also provide NHS England with a robust evidence base to inform future investment, decision-making and development of the framework.

The appointed supplier will be expected to undertake a mixed-methods review, drawing on quantitative and qualitative evidence from relevant stakeholders, users and organisations. The work will include assessing adoption levels, evaluating available evidence of impact and value, gathering stakeholder insights, identifying barriers and enablers to implementation, and developing practical recommendations for future monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

The project will deliver an adoption baseline, impact assessment, stakeholder findings, a monitoring and evaluation framework, and evidence-based recommendations. Through this work, the supplier will support NHS England's ambition to build a sustainable, capable and recognised Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) workforce and strengthen the evidence base underpinning workforce professionalisation across the health and care system.