NHS Research Secure Data Environment Network and NHS DigiTrials
The NHS Research Secure Data Environment (SDE) Network and NHS DigiTrials help researchers by simplifying and accelerating secure access to the health and social care data they need and supporting the set-up and delivery of clinical trials.
The NHS Research SDE Network
Secure data environments (SDEs) are secure platforms where approved researchers can access NHS health and care data for public benefit - without the data ever leaving the environment.
The NHS Research SDE Network provides secure, consistent, and efficient access to data for research that improves health and care. It includes:
- the NHS England SDE which is managed by NHS England - it provides broad access to coded data sets which cover the whole of England, including hospital, prescribing, urgent care and mortality data
- regional SDEs led by local NHS organisations - they focus on regional and deep multi-modal data like imaging or genomics, and may include unique local data sets
About the SDE Network
Researchers can layer NHS England SDE data sets with tailored regional data sets.
Speak with individual SDEs to discuss the possibilities for linking data sets. If you want to link data sets from multiple SDEs, contact us.
Testimonials
"Wessex Secure Data Environment has transformed our ability to link data across government and the NHS, supporting research to advocate for patients through data. This simply wouldn't be possible without the SDE"
Phil Hyde, Chief Investigator, Prehospital Research and Audit Network (PRANA), based with Wessex SDE
"The SDE Network offers patients approved use of data to improve their outcomes from treatments for cancer"
Edward Heelas, Evidence Generation Lead, AstraZeneca
"The SDE Network has been fundamental to providing access to data – not only that, but trusted data underpinning the National Data Pathology platform for research"
Daljeet Bansal, Director of Operations, National Pathology Imaging Co-operative (NPIC)
Keeping data secure
For researchers, SDEs provide:
- access to curated data sets
- secure tools (such as Python, R, SQL)
- expert support
For the public, SDEs:
- keep your data safe and protect your privacy while enabling research that benefits everyone
Services available through the SDE Network
The SDE Network offers 3 types of service:
- Data services: linked and curated NHS health data across multiple care settings, including 'bring your own data' and synthetic data options.
- Platform services: a secure research platform and tools, such as Python, SQL Server and Management Studio and RStudio.
- Consultancy services: expertise and services such as data identification, project management, clinical advice and health implementation.
See Find health data for your research to learn more about each SDE and the data available.
Last edited: 12 February 2026 4:45 pm