Part of Data for Research and Development Programme - Evaluation
Conclusion
The Data for Research & Development Programme has overseen the development of the foundations for a network of English secure data environments and DigiTrials service that will form a foundation for England’s node of the United Kingdom’s Health Data Research Service.
The scope of the Programme was ambitious, and substantial progress has been made despite funding uncertainty and delays. The 5 objectives of the Programme have been partially met. The original benefits were defined for a 10-year programme, so it is too early to assess these in detail. The technical platforms are delivered, and these are hosting (as of December 2025) 559 research projects.
The network of SDEs with a regional and national footprint is essential for good support of research projects. The regional footprint means the network of human relationships is in place and the SDEs are close to the point of data collection, and they understand the local use of data and the local configuration of the data systems such as electronic patient records.
The key lessons and recommendations identified by this review should be considered as part of the close-down of this Programme and used to inform the planning for HDRS and future development of the UK’s health data infrastructure.
Last edited: 24 April 2026 2:02 pm