Maturity Levels¶

The HDRL Framework uses five levels to describe the current state of maturity of a health data organisation or system. These levels indicate potential readiness to participate in the Health Data Research Service (HDRS).

Level 1: Initial — Ad-hoc Processes¶

Processes are informal or fragmented
Major gaps exist; requirements are not met

Level 2: Developing — Basic Structures¶

A strategy is in place, and initial steps have been taken
Implementation is just beginning and not yet widespread

Level 3: Defined — Documented Processes¶

Some progress has been made, and parts of the system are working
Targets are set, but not always achieved consistently

Level 4: Managed — Measured Performance¶

Operations are standardised and meet baseline requirements
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are published and met

The collaboration target

Level 4 is the anticipated baseline for UK Network collaboration. This is the level that ensures a partner delivers predictability and speed.

Level 5: Optimising — Continuous Improvement¶

The organisation exceeds baseline requirements
There is a focus on continuous improvement and top performance
Practices are recognised as exemplary

Visual Summary¶

L5  ████████████████████████████  Optimising
    Continuous improvement. World-leading.

L4  ██████████████████████████    Managed          ◄── Target
    Measured performance. SLAs met.

L3  ████████████████████████      Defined
    Documented processes. Targets set.

L2  ██████████████████████        Developing
    Basic structures. Strategy in place.

L1  ████████████████████          Initial
    Ad-hoc. Fragmented. Major gaps.

Design Principles¶

Level 4 thresholds are designed to be ambitious but achievable. They will require validation by comparing with UK and international benchmarks.
Levels reflect the current state of capability, from basic to advanced.
HDRL is a roadmap tool, not a pass/fail audit. An organisation at Level 2 has a clear path to Level 3 and beyond.
The five-level structure is aligned with CMMI nomenclature used across many international maturity frameworks.