About us

We support ministers in leading the nation’s health and social care to help people live more independent, healthier lives for longer.

Our responsibilities

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

Who we are

DHSC is a ministerial department, supported by a number of agencies and partner organisations. As of 30 June 2024, the department employs 3,540 full-time equivalent employees, who work in locations across the country.

Agencies and public bodies

Find out more about the department’s agencies and public bodies

Corporate information

Access our information

Jobs and contracts

Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information. Read our policy on Social media use.

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