Department of Health

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Public welfare ALBs

  • Last modified date:
    21 December 2009

Arm's length bodies (ALBs) that focus primarily on safety and the protection of public and patients.

Alcohol Education and Research Council (AERC)

The Council seeks to develop the capacity of people and organisations to address alcohol issues and also develop the evidence base linked to alcohol policy.  Effective dissemination of this evidence to researchers, policy makers and practitioners is an important component of the strategy.

Health Protection Agency (HPA)

A non-departmental public body dedicated to protecting people’s health and reducing the impact of infectious diseases, chemical hazards, poisons and radiation hazards.

General Social Care Council (GSCC)

The Council sets standards for and regulates the social care workforce in England. The GSCC is an executive non-departmental public body.

National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA)

Special health authority that coordinates the efforts of all those involved in healthcare to learn from patient safety incidents occurring in the NHS.

National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA)

Works to improve the availability, capacity and effectiveness of treatment for drug misuse in England. A special health authority.

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