NHS England has set out the next phase of its transparency programme in a Board paper presented in February 2026, describing progress towards expanding access to performance and benchmarking data. 

The paper, titled A New Era of Transparency: Progress Update, was presented to the Board for approval. 

Programme structure 

The update outlines a structured programme approach, including: 

• A dedicated transparency team 

• Expansion of benchmarking tools 

• A move towards “open by default” publication 

• Improved access to performance data for NHS professionals and the public 

The paper positions transparency as an ongoing delivery programme rather than a standalone publication exercise. 

Open benchmarking 

The Board paper references plans to expand open benchmarking access, including development of a public-facing benchmarking offer linked to the Model Health System, subject to disclosure control governance. 

The paper states that benchmarking tools have seen high levels of engagement from users and sets out plans to widen access further. 

No specific publication date for expanded open benchmarking is confirmed within the February paper. 

Governance and delivery considerations 

The progress update acknowledges delivery considerations, including analytical and programme capacity required to support expanded publication. 

The paper does not describe any changes to statutory reporting requirements but frames the programme as part of a broader shift towards increased visibility of comparative performance data. 

The Board was asked to approve the direction of travel and continued development of the transparency programme. 

Source 

• NHS England. A New Era of Transparency: Progress Update, Board Paper, February 2026 (Item 7).