Protecting health data through trusted governance

The iCARE Secure Data Environment is built on strong information governance principles to ensure health data is accessed safely, securely and responsibly.

We recognise the importance of protecting patient confidentiality while enabling valuable research that can improve healthcare. Access to iCARE data is carefully controlled, with robust processes in place to ensure data is used only for approved purposes that provide public benefit.


Responsible access to health data

All use of iCARE data is governed through established approval processes. Researchers must demonstrate that their project:

  • Has a clear research purpose
  • Provides potential public benefit
  • Uses only the data required
  • Meets legal and ethical requirements
  • Has appropriate governance approvals

Researchers access de-identified data within the secure iCARE environment rather than receiving copies of datasets.


The Five Safes framework

iCARE follows the Five Safes framework, a recognised approach for managing access to sensitive health information.

Safe people

Access is restricted to approved users who have:

  • Completed required training
  • Received appropriate approvals
  • Agreed to data use responsibilities

Safe projects

Projects must demonstrate:

  • A clear research purpose
  • Appropriate approvals
  • Responsible use of health data
  • Potential benefit to patients and healthcare

Safe settings

Data is accessed within a secure technical environment with:

  • Controlled user access
  • Secure infrastructure
  • Monitoring and auditing processes

Safe data

Data is protected through:

  • De-identification
  • Data minimisation
  • Controlled access to approved datasets

Safe outputs

Research outputs are checked before release to ensure they:

  • Do not risk identifying individuals
  • Follow confidentiality requirements
  • Meet governance standards

 

Contact us

For general enquiries email: imperial.dcs@nhs.net

For data access enquiries email: imperial.dataaccessrequest@nhs.net

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