Glossary
This section explains key parliamentary and government terms.
Care Quality Commission
Abbreviation: CQC
The independent regulator of health and adult social care services in England.
Department of Health and Social Care
Abbreviation: DHSC
The UK Government department responsible for health and adult social care policy in England.
Education, Health and Care Plan
Abbreviation: EHCP
A legal plan setting out support for a child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities.
Health and Social Care Committee
A Commons select committee that scrutinises health and adult social care policy in England.
Integrated Care Board
Abbreviation: ICB
An NHS body responsible for planning health services for a local area in England.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Abbreviation: MHRA
The UK regulator responsible for medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion.
National Health Service
Abbreviation: NHS
The publicly funded health service in the UK.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Abbreviation: NICE
The body that produces guidance and advice on health and care in England.
NHS England
Abbreviation: NHSE
The body responsible for leading the NHS in England.
Personal Independence Payment
Abbreviation: PIP
A benefit for people with long-term health conditions or disabilities who need help with daily living or mobility costs.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Abbreviation: SEND
Support needs affecting a child or young person’s learning, development, health or access to education.
UK Health Security Agency
Abbreviation: UKHSA
The UK agency responsible for protecting public health from infectious diseases and other health threats.