Author: Tom Billins, Research Governance and Ethics Senior Manager

Accessing NHS Secure Data Environments (SDEs) is becoming simpler. The SDE Network Registration Service is now live, and this guide explains what it means for you as a researcher or organisation.

SDEs provide a controlled, secure way to access NHS data for research and analysis, without data leaving a protected environment.

Registration is a mandatory first step for any individual or organisation seeking access to the Eastern England SDE and other NHS SDEs. The service – previously known as the Validation Service – has been renamed to more accurately reflect its role in enabling access, rather than assessing eligibility alone.

As part of the data access process, registration sits at the start of the journey and should be completed before, or alongside, submitting an access request.This helps ensure that required organisational and researcher checks are already in place when applications are reviewed. We’ll assess your registration status when you submit a project enquiry and direct you to the appropriate forms from there.

The registration process brings together two key elements. Organisations must demonstrate that appropriate governance, security and legal arrangements are in place, whilst individual researchers much complete training, identity verification, and confirmation of their role. Both need to be in place before access to the SDE can be granted.

This provides a consistent, national approach confirming that:

  • Organisations meet the required information governance and security standards
  • Researchers are approriately trained, verified and authorised

The service is built around the Five Safes framework, a nationally recognised approach to ensuring that data is accessed by the right people, for the right purposes, in a safe environment, with safe outputs. This supports safe and secure use of NHS data while helping to maintain public trust.

Because registration can be progressed alongside project development, it helps reduce delays once approval is in place. It is also recognised across participating NHS SDEs, supporting a more joined-up and efficient research ecosystem.

We have published clear, practical guidance explaining what registration involves, how organisational and individual registrations fit together, and how this aligns with the wider data access process. You can find out more and begin your registration here, or read the full policy and guidance.

If you would like further guidance or have any questions about registering, please get in touch cuh.eastern.sde@nhs.net