The Department of Health, through the Genetics Commissioning Advisory Group (GenCAG), has a direct link with the UKGTN via the Steering Group. The overall organisation structure of the UKGTN is shown in the diagram below:

The UKGTN Project team undertakes work on behalf of the UKGTN Steering Group and the member laboratories and associated NHS commissioners. Major areas of work within the UKGTN are managed and executed by the Working Groups as follows:

Gene Dossier and Directory Working Group

The Gene Dossier and Directory working group was formed to:

• evaluate and recommend tests to be included in or deleted from the directory in a timely manner;
• ensure testing criteria and testing criteria forms within the Gene Dossier process are kept under review.

In light of new evidence, the working group may request laboratories complete a gene dossier including testing criteria for tests already listed in the Directory. The working group regularly reviews the Gene Dossier mechanism and documentation.

Laboratory Membership and Audit Working Group

The Laboratory Management and audit working group was formed to:

• review membership against the laboratory membership criteria;
• assess and make recommendations for new laboratory applications;
• review laboratory membership criteria and procedures as required;
• review laboratory performance against agreed standards;
• develop simple methods and documentation to collect relevant laboratory data;
• produce annual reports on monitoring including measures of access to testing services.

Systems and Communication Working Group

The Systems and Communication working group was formed to:

• monitor, develop and manage the UKGTN website ensuring it is fit for purpose for all relevant stakeholders, has appropriate linkages (for example with the NHS Genetics Education Development Centre), and informs the public and NHS about service provision and developments within UKGTN laboratories;
• maintain an overview of IT developments and issues relevant to UKGTN laboratories whilst ensuring there is representation from all stakeholders and appropriate wider consultation is taken where appropriate;
• collaborate with the PHG Foundation (formally the Public Health Genetics Unit) based in Cambridge and advise on the Genetics Education and Training Programme for Commissioners as stated in the Genetics White Paper.

Service Development and Clinical Appropriateness Working Group

The Service Development and Clinical Appropriateness working group was formed to:

• review new developments in genetic testing services that are likely to have an impact on NHS services in the near future;
• make policy recommendations.

In particular, the group has been assessing how the role of genetic testing services will need to adapt to the requirements of the wider NHS, taking into account (a) pathology modernisation, and (b) the requirements of relevant specialties.

Commissioning Working Group

The Commissioning working group aims to:

• identify commissioning mechanisms, procedures and policies to facilitate good commissioning processes for genetic testing that fit within NHS systems for commissioning;
• consider the implications of commissioning policy initiatives and outputs from the other working groups;
• undertake projects to inform those initiatives;
• put in place mechanisms to influence change in commissioning policy.