Health and Social Care Data Public Panel – minutes and action notes: 13 February 2025

Date: 13 February 2025
Time: 9.30 to 11.30am
Location: MS Teams

Agenda

TimeAgenda itemOwner

09:30

Introductions

Chair

09:30

Review of previous minutes and declaration of interest

Chair

09:35

ONS – Linking Health Data

DHSC/ Office for National Statistics

10:30

Break

ALL

10:40

NHS FDP Cancer360 Storyboard

NHS England

11:00

NHS FDP Chesterfield Case Study Video

NHS England

11:15

PPECAP Recruitment – Update

NHS England

11:30

Any other business

Chair

Attendees

AttendeesOrganisation

Chair

Association of Medical Research Charities (CHAIR)

Senior Policy Adviser

DHSC

FDP Project Support Officer

NHS England

Lead Senior Communications and Engagement Manager

NHS England

FDP Communications

NHS England

Panel member

National Data Guardian

Lay member

Independent member

Lay member

Independent member

Lay member

Independent member

Lay member

Independent member

Lay member

Independent member

Lay member

Independent member

Apologies

ApologiesOrganisation

Lay member

Independent member

1. Introductions

Panel members were welcomed to the meeting by the Chair, who also ran through the agenda. No conflicts of interest were declared.

2. Office for National Statistics – linking health data

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and DHSC introduced the benefits of linking health and non-health data and the public engagement they’ve undertaken.

Panel members were invited to share their views on how data linking is explained to the public and on potential approaches to engagement. Questions focused on safeguards, data access, and the scope of ONS health work.

Members stressed the need for transparency, simple explanations of statistics, and stronger communication of the benefits of data linkage, alongside exploring champions to share messages externally. Feedback included:

  • Public engagement should begin with a simple explanation of statistics before covering data processes
  • The benefits of data linkage should be communicated more clearly, with relatable examples such as its value for conditions like asthma and diabetes
  • Transparency about who uses data and why is important to the public
  • ONS should consider using community or research champions to extend the reach of their engagement activity

3. NHS FDP Cancer360 storyboard

The NHS FDP team presented a storyboard for a short animation to accompany the Cancer360 product information on the NHS England webpage. Panel members were walked through the script and visuals and invited to give feedback. Key themes included:

  • Earlier slides needed to more clearly establish what the product is and what problem it addresses
  • The animation would benefit from greater diversity in imagery and improved colour contrast for accessibility
  • Several visuals were unclear and would benefit from labels, signage or additional context
  • Some members felt text or statistics would help audiences understand the content more easily
  • On the script, simpler and more precise language was recommended, with clearer explanation of how the product benefits patients

4. NHS FDP Chesterfield case study video

This agenda item was deferred to a future meeting due to time constraints.

5. PPECAP recruitment – update

An update was provided on the recruitment of new patient and public voice (PPV) partners to PPECAP. Interviews had been completed, and successful candidates would be formally notified.

6. Any other business

No items were raised.