Library guides: Policy, reports and statistics: UK Government information

Introduction

The research and publications from Government and reputable Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) is an important complement to academic literature (books and journal articles).

Information can include official governmental policies and publications, expert analysis on health issues, publications and reports from associations, charities, organisations and societies and health data and statistics.

This can be used to help with your assignments and your own professional development. Resources can also be used to find grey literature for your dissertations or doctoral research.

UK Government : Health & Social Care information

Health information by topic from GOV.UK

Find news, policy papers, guidance, regulation, research and statistics.

Reading List: Health information by topic from GOV.UK

Healthcare Blogs from GOV.UK

Health news and analysis from UK government departments.

Reading List: Healthcare Blogs from GOV.UK

UK Parliamentary materials

Search Parliamentary Material
Use Search Parliamentary Material to find publications and records of parliamentary business.
You can search for particular phrases or terms, filter by the type of material, such as legislation or research briefings, and by the date associated with it.
UK Parliament: Find a Publication
The latest reports and government responses. Enter search terms, provide a date range, or select a session to find other types of publications.
UK Parliament: Find an Inquiry
Includes other committee work such as pre-appointment and non-inquiry hearings, and legislative scrutiny.

House of Commons Library

House of Lords Library

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST)

A research and knowledge exchange service based in the UK Parliament. It sources reliable, impartial and peer-reviewed scientific research evidence for the UK Parliament. It primarily supports the Select Committees of both Houses.

Food, Diet and Obesity Committee
The Food, Diet and Obesity Committee is appointed to consider the role of foods, such as ‘ultra-processed foods’, and foods high in fat, salt and sugar, in a healthy diet and tackling obesity.
Health & Social Care Committee
Scrutinises the work of the Department of Health and Social Care and its associated public bodies.
Examine government policy, spending and administration on behalf of the electorate and the House of Commons. Includes news and publications.
UK Parliament: Find a Committee
Use to find other committees.

UK Government Health & Social Care agencies

Agencies of the UK government are also good sources of information. The following are a list of health agencies:

Care Quality Commission
The independent regulator of health and social care in England.
Food Standards Agency (FSA)
The FSA is an independent, non-ministerial department, whose main objectives in law are to protect public health from risks arising from the consumption of food and generally to protect the interests of consumers in relation to food.
Health Education England
Supports the delivery of excellent healthcare and health improvement to the patients and public of England by ensuring that a skilled workforce is available.
Health Research Authority
Protects and promotes the interests of patients and the public in health and social care research.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
Provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care.
NHS Confederation
The NHS Confederation is the membership organisation that brings together, supports and speaks for the whole healthcare system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
NHS England
NHS England leads the National Health Service (NHS) in England.
Office for Health Improvement and Disparities
Focus on improving the nation’s health so that everyone can expect to live more of life in good health, and on levelling up health disparities to break the link between background and prospects for a healthy life.
Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care
Promotes the health, safety and wellbeing of patients, service users and the public.
UK Research and Innovation
Launched in April 2018, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).