Since 2010, it has been a national mandated Department of Health requirement that all NHS staff undertake annual information governance (IG) training, ideally through nationally approved e-learning. The national e-learning has been designed to be user friendly and promote and provide consistency and good practice across the NHS. The advantage of a centrally provided e-learning solution is that content can be quality assured and kept up to date so that users are informed of any changes to national information governance policy or to legislation. It also includes the facility to assess the user's understanding of each topic through a short multiple choice assessment.

All staff must complete IG training every year as part of their mandatory training requirements that incorporates both statutory and core training deemed essential for staff. Regardless of their role, all staff are required to work through and complete their IG training before 31 March each year. This training includes an assessment to test the knowledge and understanding of staff. The training covers confidentiality, Data Protection, Freedom of Information, information security and records management.

The Trust's training is provided via e-learning and is accessed through the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). The module, entitled 000 Data Security Awareness – Level 1, is a national training module that has been developed by NHS Digital. If you have any technical issues with the e-learning, including problems registering, please contact the Education Centre directly for support on People.Services@nwbh.nhs.uk or 01925 664 483.

How to complete Information Governance e-learning

Usually all new starters will attend a face-to-face IG training session delivered by the IG Team, as part of the Corporate Induction programme. However, due to the current pandemic, face-to-face IG training is not taking place. Instead, all new starters are required to complete the national e-learning module 000 Data Security Awareness – Level 1 via ESR.

Dedicated face-to-face specialist training is also available to staff. If such training is required, please contact the IG Team.