DHSC

DHSC is a ministerial department, supported by a number of agencies and partner organisations. As of 31 December 2020, the department employs 3,030 full-time equivalent employees, who work in locations across the country.

We are responsible for:

• supporting and advising our ministers: we help them shape and deliver policy that delivers the government’s objectives
• setting direction: we anticipate the future and lead debate ensuring we protect and improve global and domestic health
• accountability: we make sure the department and our arm’s length bodies deliver on our agreed plans and commitments
• acting as guardians of the health and care framework: we make sure the legislative, financial, administrative and policy frameworks are fit for purpose and work together
• troubleshooting: in the last resort, the public and Parliament expect us to take the action needed to resolve crucial and complex issues

From 2021 to 2022 we will:

• protect the public’s health through the health and social care system’s response to COVID-19
• improve healthcare outcomes by providing high-quality and sustainable care at the right time in the right place and by improving infrastructure and transforming technology
• improve healthcare outcomes through a well-supported workforce
• improve, protect and level up the nation’s health, including through reducing health disparities
• improve social care outcomes through an affordable, high quality and sustainable adult social care system