Governance and people
The Eastern England Secure Data Environment (SDE) is governed through a robust framework that ensures that health data is used securely, ethically and for genuine public benefit.
Our governance model brings together NHS leadership, clinical and research experts, patient and public representatives, and specialists in data analysis and technology.
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Management Executive acts as the accountable organisation and provides senior executive oversight.
- SDE Steering Group provides ongoing scrutiny, assurance and direction for the programme.
- Data Access Committee reviews applications to access the SDE data and platform capabilities.
These groups work in close alignment with NHS England’s Data for R&D Programme Board, the NHS England East of England Digital Portfolio Programme Board, and the Research SDE Network Board, ensuring regional and national alignment.
Strategic oversight
Strategic oversight for the Eastern England SDE is provided through Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as the lead organisation. Our governance groups ensure that the SDE is aligned with national priorities for NHS health data and that it meets the highest standards of data security, research ethics and operational integrity. Our governance groups oversee strategic direction, risk management, and financial stewardship.
Programme delivery
The delivery of the Eastern England SDE is led by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Cambridge University Health Partners and Health Innovation East, with experts in the following areas:
- Data lifecycle management
- Platform engineering
- Data access, research governance and commercial agreements
- Service desk
- Customer and business development
- Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE)
- Business development and operations.
Meet the team
Our team brings together strategic, technical and operational specialists to deliver a high-quality service to the health and research community and support health improvements for patients.
Learn more about our senior team members:
Kristin-Anne Rutter
Senior Responsible Officer for the SDE and Executive Director, Cambridge University Health Partners
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Mark Avery
Director of the Eastern England SDE and Director of Health Informatics at Health Innovation East and Cambridge University Health Partners
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Dr Ari Ercole
Chief Investigator and Chair of the Data Access Committee and Chief Clinical Information Officer at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust,
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Hana Lango Allen
Researcher Engagement Lead and Genomic Data Programme Lead at Eastern England SDE Head of Data Strategy and Partnerships at Cambridge University Health Partners
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Adam Loveday
Data Access Work Area Lead Eastern England SDE and Data and AI Research Governance Lead at Cambridge University Hospitals
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Jacob Wingfield
Data Partnerships Strategy & Commercialisation Lead Research and Development at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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