Data Implementation and Audit Leads (DIAL) Network (Clinical Oncology)

Purpose of the Steering Group

The Steering Group provides oversight and leadership in supporting Data Implementation Leads (DIL) to effectively access, interpret and utilise national datasets and National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre (NATCAN) audit findings to drive local quality improvement (QI) initiatives and enhance cancer care. It also supports and oversees the RCR audit programme and audit leads.

Key Responsibilities of the Data Implementation and Audit Leads Steering Group

1. Strengthen and maintain an effective DIL network by:

1. Encouraging and supporting DILs in their roles.
2. Collaborating with external stakeholders to develop and deliver resources and webinars. 
3. Providing support to enable DILs to access and interpret national data, equipping them to support and inspire local collaboration on QI.

2. Develop and implement an annual programme of audit and QI activities, including:

1. Producing an annual programme of planned RCR audit projects.
2. Webinars and an annual audit and QI poster competition.
3. Maintaining, developing, and promoting the Audit Library.
4. Collaborating with Guidance Working Parties and contributing to the guideline consultation process, including advising on the production of audit templates for guidelines.
5. Oversight of projects to identify and address any ethical issues.

Membership

Supported by RCR staff and the MDPP; the role of Chair requires a meaningful time commitment, including: 

3. Chair

4. Ex officio: Medical Director, Professional Practice.

5. Up to six appointed members, including at least one resident, appointed via established College processes.

6. Up to five members may be co-opted, at the Steering Group’s discretion, when particular sections of the membership are underrepresented or particular skills or expertise are sought.

7. The term of office of appointed members will be three years.  

Chair

8. The Chair will usually serve for a term of three years. Previous membership doesn’t count toward the Chair term limit.

9. The duties of the Chair will include the following:

1. Working with the Audit QI Partner and Medical Director, Professional Practice, to align the group’s activities with College strategy.
2. Chairing all meetings.
3. Ensuring Terms of Reference are observed.
4. Engaging all members of the Steering Group in the work in accordance with the RCR’s values.  
5. Addressing non-engagement in collaboration with the Medical Director, Professional Practice
6. Liaising with relevant external bodies as needed.
7. Ensuring that brief summary notes are maintained.
8. Regular liaison with the Medical Director, Professional Practice, who will represent the Steering Group on the Professional Practice Board.

Operation

10. The Steering Group will usually meet three times a year.

11. Meetings may be held by virtual means or remote attendance.

12. The Steering Group will conduct its business in line with RCR values.

13. Members will abide by any stated or implied confidentiality that attaches to the work of the Steering Group during or after any period of membership.

14. Members will comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 2018 as regards processing of any personal data where it is made available to them as part of their work.

15. At meetings of the Steering Group, three members including at least one Officer will form a quorum. 

16. Members may be called upon to consider or determine matters electronically between meetings and are expected to contribute to such considerations or decisions as part of their duties.

17. Audit data and derived materials belong to the RCR and must not be used beyond their intended purpose without written approval from the Medical Director, Professional Practice. The RCR will not collect patient-identifiable information. Sharing pseudonymised data or findings outside the steering group (e.g. with a statistician) requires approval from both the Chair and the Medical Director, Professional Practice.

18. In line with board and committee policy, members will not speak on behalf of the College unless authorised to do so.

19. Brief summary notes outlining actions and updates will be produced after each meeting, to be approved by the members.

Updated September 2025