National Data Library Expert Advisory Group: Terms of Reference
Published 26 January 2026
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To achieve the Governments’ vision, the NDL Expert Advisory Group will seek to support and challenge the design and delivery of the NDL through meaningful discussions.
Objective
To achieve the governments’ vision, the NDL Expert Advisory Group will seek to support andchallenge the design and delivery of the NDL through meaningful discussions.
This may include:
- provide strategic insight and scrutiny to shape NDL design and delivery
- review proposals and advise on user impact and operational feasibility
- share expertise from past initiatives and emerging innovations
- advise on principles that support transparency and strengthen public confidence
- highlight policy and legislative considerations that may affect responsible data sharing
It will allow us to test the strategic direction of the NDL with credible experts and organisations representing all stakeholders.
Governance
This is a stakeholder advisory group that will act as a forum for sharing views and supporting delivery decisions, that will be used to inform decisions made in other forum. It is not a decision-making forum itself.
Where the group provides strategic suggestions for NDL delivery, it should make recommendations to DSIT who in turn will review and seek ministerial agreement as appropriate via the official routes if required.
Alongside traditional papers, the group will use a range of tools to best discuss NDL progress. This will include demonstrations and reports from live experiments and should exemplify a modern digital approach to governance of a government priority.
Chair
The Chair is responsible for guiding inclusive discussions, building consensus among members, and ensuring that all discussions remain focused and aligned with the overarching goals of the NDL.
Meetings will be supported by the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for the NDL and coordinated and provided with secretariat support by the NDL Engagement Team in DSIT.
Both the Chair and the SRO will play a pivotal role in guiding the group’s engagement, shaping discussions, and ensuring that the priorities and perspectives of the group are effectively surfaced and actioned.
This dual leadership approach will provide the Expert Advisory Group with strong and visible direction.