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NHS Research SDE Network Registration Service

This service processes applications for registration from individuals or organisations who want to request access to data held by any of the regional Secure Data Environments (SDEs) in the NHS Research SDE Network.

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From 1 April 2026, all organisations and individuals interested in applying to access health data through the SDE Network must complete the registration process.

Get registered

Getting access to health data for research through an SDE involves 2 parallel processes: passing registration checks and applying for access. Both must be completed before the data is made available.

Start your registration enquiry here:

If you have any questions about the SDE Network Registration Service, email [email protected].

Check with the SDE holding the data you need to see if your research is feasible - learn more about individual SDEs. For multi-SDE projects, contact our Concierge Service. You can search the Health Data Research Gateway metadata catalogue to learn more about datasets available through the SDE network.

What we check: the registration criteria

The SDE Network registration criteria have been created to deliver the service within the scope of the agreed registration policy. We will publish the full criteria and policy when the service is fully launched in April 2026.

Broadly, the things we check include:
  • Organisation location and sector of operation
  • Organisation data security standards
  • Understanding of appropriate use for NHS data
  • Individual's professional identity
We do not check:
  • Individual or organisation financial stability/bankruptcy status
  • Specific research project validity, ethics or subject matter; this will be assessed when a Data Access equest is made.

Individual SDEs may carry out some of the checks listed above as part of their Data Access Request process, but this is separate from SDE network registration.

Full documentation

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Registration process

This process sets out the steps required for individuals and organisations to register themselves with the NHS Secure Data Environment (SDE) Network. It includes how organisations provide assurance about researchers working on their behalf.

Checking who has been registered

We will publish a register listing all organisations which have been registered at SDE Network level.

In line with data protection law, we will not publish details of individuals who have been registered.

Last edited: 31 March 2026 3:41 pm