The Secure Data Environment
A Secure Data Environment (SDE) is a controlled digital space where approved users can securely access and analyse sensitive data without the data being downloaded, copied, or moved outside the protected environment.
SDEs allow researchers, clinicians, and data scientists to work with valuable healthcare information while maintaining strict safeguards around privacy, security, and governance. Access is carefully managed, with controls in place to ensure data is only used for approved purposes.
By providing secure access to high-quality data alongside powerful analytical tools, Secure Data Environments enable research, service evaluation, and innovation while protecting the confidentiality of the people behind the data.
Protecting data through the Five Safes Framework
Safe people
Access is provided only to approved users who have the appropriate expertise, institutional affiliation, and information governance training. This ensures researchers understand their responsibilities when working with sensitive healthcare data.
Safe projects
Every project must demonstrate a clear purpose, appropriate ethical approval, and potential public benefit. Access is granted only after review and approval by the relevant data custodians.
Safe settings
Research takes place within a highly secure environment designed to protect sensitive information. iCARE uses a layered security approach, including separation of identifiable and pseudonymised data, restricted data movement, and controlled access to analytical tools.
5 saves
Safe data
Researchers work with the minimum amount of data required for their approved purpose. Identifiable information is removed or protected through pseudonymisation processes, helping maintain confidentiality while enabling valuable research.
Safe outputs
Before any research findings leave the environment, outputs undergo disclosure control checks to ensure they do not risk revealing information about individuals. This allows important discoveries to be shared while protecting patient privacy.
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Our Data in Numbers
3,500 | Data Tables
1 billion | Free text Documents
55 Billion Rows | Structured Data
Contact us
For general enquiries email: imperial.dcs@nhs.net
For data access enquiries email: imperial.dataaccessrequest@nhs.net