With the current focus on the characteristics and effective operation of divertor configurations in fusion plasma research, reassessment of the atomic data base available for divertor modelling and diagnosis is taking place. The quest for ideal materials for divertor targets and for impurities which can be used to promote optimum working conditions has exposed some gaps in the database. Equally, for the finer spectroscopic diagnostic and modelling tools now being promoted, existing data may be organised inappropriately or may be at unsuitable precisions. In the present paper, some examples, which emphasise electron collisions and collisions with neutrals, are used to demonstrate these points. Then a case study is presented, based on experience at JET Joint Undertaking, of tailoring atomic data and its manipulation for experiment support.