Why benchmarking matters
Benchmarking is more than comparing numbers. It helps drive improvement, innovation and excellence in healthcare. By understanding how your organisation performs compared with others, you can find opportunities, recognise what is working well and make informed decisions that benefit patients, staff and the wider system.
In short: Benchmarking turns data into action. It empowers your organisation to learn, grow, and deliver better outcomes—for patients, staff, and the system as a whole.
Improve patient outcomes
See what works best. Benchmarking highlights proven practice in other organisations, giving you insight to improve patient care and outcomes.
Boost Efficiency
Identify bottlenecks and make better use of resources. Comparing processes and service delivery helps you work smarter, reduce waste and save costs.
Measure Against Standards
Understand how you compare. Benchmarking shows how your compliance with national standards compares with peers, helping you maintain quality and accountability.
Spotlight Strengths & Weaknesses
Know where you do well and where you can grow. Benchmarking gives a clear picture of performance gaps to guide targeted improvement.
Drive Continuous Improvement
Build a culture of learning. Benchmarking encourages evidence-based decision-making and ongoing organisational development.
Enhance Patient Satisfaction
Learn from others. Comparing patient experience measures helps you make changes that improve care and satisfaction.
Inform Strategic Decisions
Make better choices. Benchmarking provides insight to inform policy, workforce planning and investment in technology.
Boost Staff Performance
Close the gaps. Understanding differences in performance can guide training, shape team structures and support your workforce.
Support Staff Retention
Keep your teams engaged. Benchmarking identifies factors affecting staff satisfaction and retention, helping you create a positive workplace.
"NHS Benchmarking gives you, in my opinion, excellent questions for you then to go and discover the answers to. It gives you an indication of something, but it's the interrogation and peer review that gives you the opportunity to discover your own improvement questions."
Steven Tolan
Deputy Chief AHP, NHS England