World & places · Evidence-backed
Department of Health and Social Care: 10 Key Facts
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is the UK government department responsible for health and adult social care policy in England. It sets national strategy, oversees the NHS, and works with arm's length bodies to deliver public health services. Here are 14 candidate facts about its role, structure, and operations.
An overview of the UK government department responsible for health and adult social care policy in England, its structure, budget, and key roles.
DHSC's core mission: healthier, independent lives
The Department of Health and Social Care states its purpose is to help people live more independent, healthier lives for longer. It works closely with partners across the health and care system, arm's length bodies, local authorities, and other government departments to achieve this ambition.
Five strategic roles define DHSC's work
DHSC operates through five core roles: supporting and advising ministers on policy delivery; setting strategic direction for domestic and global health; ensuring accountability for departmental and arm's length body plans; guarding the legislative, financial, and policy frameworks; and acting as troubleshooters for complex issues.
DHSC is a ministerial department with 23 agencies and partner organisations
As a ministerial department, DHSC is supported by 23 agencies and partner organisations, including executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies, and other entities that deliver specific health and care functions.
Responsible for health and social care policy in England only
DHSC sets national strategy, develops guidance, and leads public health work for England. Health and social care are largely devolved to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, though DHSC retains responsibility for a few non-devolved elements.
Does not manage individual health services or give medical advice
DHSC works with organisations such as the NHS and local councils but does not manage individual health or care services, nor does it provide medical advice to the public. Its role is policy, strategy, and oversight.
Formed in 1988 from the Department of Health and Social Security
The current department was created in 1988 when the Department of Health and Social Security was split, separating health and social care from social security functions which moved to the Department of Social Security.
Headquarters at 39 Victoria Street, Westminster, London
DHSC's main headquarters is located at 39 Victoria Street in Westminster, London. The department relocated there to a modern, smarter working environment, significantly reducing its central London footprint.
Major staff hubs in London, Leeds, Newcastle, and Manchester
While headquartered in London, DHSC's largest concentrations of staff are based in London, Leeds, Newcastle, and Manchester, with many arm's length bodies having regionally based teams across the country.
Over 90% of the departmental estate belongs to arm's length bodies
The department's property portfolio is largely made up of arm's length body properties, accounting for over 90% of the departmental family estate. This includes offices, laboratories, blood centres, warehouses, and hybrid facilities.
Annual budget of £138.9 billion in 2020–21
DHSC's annual budget was £138.9 billion in the 2020–21 financial year, reflecting the vast scale of health and social care funding in England, the majority of which flows to NHS England.
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