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How to access the OpenSAFELY Analytics Platform

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The OpenSAFELY Analytics Platform pilot enables the implementation of an expanded service which develops and evaluates the OpenSAFELY Analytics Platform technology for wider non-COVID-19 purposes. The pilot will run until 31 March 2027 unless extended by the Secretary of State.

How to apply

Applications open on 23 February 2026. 

Applications close on 30 April 2026.

Application outcomes will be known by 31 May 2026. 

Criteria to apply

To be eligible to participate, applicants should be able to confirm: 

Start date for using OpenSAFELY Analytics Platform 

  • intended start date to use OpenSAFELY Analytics Platform is before March 2027

Secured funding 

  • evidence that funding is secured or will be secured prior to the proposed start date for using the OpenSAFELY Analytics Platform

Where projects do not have funding in place which covers the cost of OpenSAFELY at the time of application, they are requested to make this clear in the application, to seek funding rapidly in parallel with making their application, and to contact their current funder on an existing project where appropriate to ask for a change.

Charges for OpenSAFELY April 2026 - March 2027

Annual licence fee £25,000*

This includes:

  • Application charge £1320 + 8.4% (CPI 2026/2027)
  • Annual use of the environment
  • Data provisioning, administration costs etc

 

£1,431
£15,000
£8,569

This interim solution will be in place for 2026/2027 while we collate metrics on the service and understand the actual costs associated with running it. 

* The £25,000 charge excludes VAT, if applicable. 

Steps to make an application

Step 1
Step 1

Complete and submit a project application form available from 23 February 2026.

Step 2
Step 2

Applicant provides additional documentation required for initial application assessment.

Step 3
Step 3

NHS England DARS team consider application and contact successful applicants to collect any additional information required.

Step 4
Step 4

Decisions and feedback is communicated to applicants before 31 May 2026.  

Step 5
Step 5

Approved applications guided on the next steps for service use.  

Further information

internal NHS OpenSAFELY Data Analytics Service Pilot Directions 2025

Directions given by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to require NHS England to establish and operate a system for the collection and analysis of the information set out in the NHS OpenSAFELY data analytics service pilot requirements specification. 

external
external

Last edited: 24 February 2026 10:38 am