Our ratification process enables organisations to assure themselves that:

• Our assessments of their performance is based on data as supplied by them (whether directly to us or to a third party data collector).
• No error has been introduced following their submission of the data.
• The information we have received about them from Monitor or the Audit Commission reflects the assessments undertaken by these bodies.

Ratification protocol

The protocol shown below provides clear governance about the ratification of data, indicators and provisional scores relating to the following components of the 2007/2008 annual health check: use of resources; existing national targets; new national targets, and service reviews.

Our protocol on the ratification of data

Ratification proforma

The proforma shown below should be used when querying information relating to the two service reviews being undertaken as part of the 2007/2008 annual health check - urgent and emergency care; substance misuse.

Our proforma for ratification queries concerning service reviews