Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag (RADF)

Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag (RADF)

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The Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag (RADF) is a national system designed to help disabled people get the care and support they need. From 30 September 2026, all publicly funded health and social care services must be able to share, view and update RADFs.

What is a Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag?

A RADF is a visible marker added to a person’s health or care record. It highlights any reasonable adjustments someone may need because of a disability, including people with a learning disability, autistic people and people with Down’s syndrome. This helps staff provide accessible, personalised care.

Reasonable adjustments are already required by law under the Equality Act 2010, and the RADF supports services to deliver them consistently and effectively.

Examples of Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are small changes that make services easier to access. They might include:

  • Making buildings and rooms wheelchair accessible
  • Providing information in large print or easy-read format
  • Allowing a supporter, carer, or family member to attend appointments

The RADF ensures staff are aware of these adjustments and can provide them during appointments and care. You can find more about reasonable adjustments on the Small Changes webpage.

Who will use a Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag?

All publicly funded health and social care services must use RADFs to record, share, and provide reasonable adjustments, including:

NHS services:

  • GP practices, dentists, opticians, pharmacies
  • Hospitals, emergency care, mental health services, maternity services
  • Community health services such as nursing, midwifery, and therapy services

Other services:

  • Social care services like residential care, home care, day care, and respite care
  • NHS-funded services in prisons, police custody, or community services
  • Public health services, including sexual health advice

Guidance for professionals

The new RADF Information Standard identifies the following key actions for providers, which must be implemented by 30 September 2026:

  1. Train staff – All staff must understand reasonable adjustments and how to use a RADF. Free training is available online via NHS England and e-Learning for Health. Updated training covering all sectors will be launched by March 2026.
  2. Identify, record, and review needs – Identify people who need adjustments, record their needs in local systems, and review regularly.
  3. Share RADF information – All providers must have the technical capability to view, update, and share RADFs through their systems or via the National Care Records Service (NCRS). This is now a legal requirement under the Information Standard (published 19 December 2025).
  4. Check software suppliers / IT integration – Providers should verify if their software supplier is registered via NHS England’s national supplier interest list or ensure their IT systems are fully integrated with the national flag. Suppliers can register here: Patient Flag API supplier interest form.
  5. Understand consent changes – The basis of sharing reasonable adjustment data has shifted from explicit to implied consent, allowing seamless information sharing while still respecting patient objections.

Further guidance for professionals can be found on the NHS England webpage.

The Northeast and Cumbria Learning Disability Network also offers practical resources and examples to support health and care professionals in implementing reasonable adjustments in everyday practice. For more information, visit their reasonable adjustments resource page: Reasonable Adjustment Campaign « Learning Disability Network

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To learn more, please email ssotics.comms@staffsstoke.icb.nhs.uk