8 Updating this process guide

NICE process and methods

The formal process for updating this process guide will begin 3 years after publication. In exceptional circumstances, and only if significant changes to the process of developing quality standards are anticipated, this interval will be reduced to 2 years.

We welcome comments on the content of this process guide and suggested subjects for inclusion. These should be addressed to: qualitystandards@nice.org.uk

Minor changes that may be made without further consultation are those that:

do not add or remove a fundamental stage in the process
do not add or remove a fundamental methods technique or step
will not disadvantage any stakeholders
will improve the efficiency, clarity or fairness of the process.

Changes that meet all of these criteria will be published on the NICE website. The process guide will be updated and changes from the previous version of the guide will be listed. Stakeholders in quality standards under development at the time of the change will be notified if they are affected by the change. Stakeholders in quality standards not yet under development will be advised to consult the website at the start of the project to familiarise themselves with the updated quality standards development process.

Any other changes will be made only after a public consultation that will normally last for 3 months.