The Steering Group oversees the implementation of the UK Genetic Testing Network within the following remit:
- To confirm criteria for network providers and seek declarations from NHS genetics laboratories against the criteria to confirm network service providers.
- To develop criteria and processes for GenCAG over choice, evaluation and prioritisation of tests for the network that maximises availability of clinically appropriate tests (within available resources) for patients while minimising bureaucracy.
- To review on a rolling programme the need and provision of NHS genetic tests, including the distribution of testing services.
- To encourage work to increase the appropriateness of requests for genetic testing, enabling laboratories to work closely with relevant clinicians.
- To gather horizon scanning intelligence to inform policy and commissioning debates on future developments for genetic services.
- Through the work of the proposed Clinical Users’ Group of the Joint Medical Genetics Committee, to provide a platform for considering stakeholder views/needs on genetic testing services and prioritizing services for delivery.
- To maintain an interest in the quality of service delivery to patients, taking an overview of processes for ensuring clarity of communication and consistency in interpretation of genetic test results.
- To encourage co-operation between developing genetics networks (for example biochemistry and haemophilia networks).
- To oversee work on specific issues relevant to laboratory services provision as undertaken by the network development and co-ordination team or commissioned from others (for example the Public Health Genetics Unit, the National Genetics Reference Laboratories or the Genetics Knowledge Parks). These issues might be requested by GenCAG or raised by commissioners, directors of genetics services, heads of laboratories, patient groups, Department of Health.
- To hold the network development and co-ordination team to account for delivering agreed programmes of work.