Agenda

Attendees

1. Introductions, review of previous minutes and declarations of interest

The Chair welcomed members to the meeting. The minutes from the previous meeting were agreed and approved for publication. No declarations of interest were noted.

2. HR update

An NHS England representative provided an update on ongoing HR processes and highlighted that this had been escalated. Panel members were given the option to leave the meeting and asked whether they wished to postpone future meetings until this was resolved.

The secretariat would send an anonymous Microsoft Teams form for the panel to confirm whether they wish to continue with future meetings or postpone.

2. Ways of working

An NHS England representative provided a brief update on ways of working, noting that subgroup reporting would be paused until HR processes were resolved. Invitations to the new steering group had been sent to lay members.

Panel feedback included:

• A panel member asked how broader engagement could be encouraged – introducing breakout rooms was suggested.
• A panel member shared that the chat function had not been working during meetings for them.

Actions:

• Secretariat consider breakout rooms, where suitable for future meetings.
• Secretariat to investigate the chat function issue.

3. NHS FDP privacy and security animation

An NHS England representative presented a short animation explaining how patient data is protected through the NHS Federated Data Platform and invited panel feedback.

Panel feedback included:

• The panel suggested greater emphasis be placed on patient benefits, with a clear and prominent headline about how the platform improves and speeds up patient care, rather than leading with security and data protection content.
• It was suggested that the security section be strengthened with a clear, direct statement about data access.
• The panel were asked whether “controller” and “processor” language should be added to the animation. Following a panel vote, it was agreed that this would not be included.

Action: A revised draft will be shared at a future meeting.

4. SDE user and organisation validation engagement

A representative from NHS South Central and West Commissioning Support Unit presented plans for public involvement activity relating to the NHS England Secure Data Environment (SDE) User and Organisation Validation.

Panel feedback included:

• A panel member welcomed the plans but emphasised the importance of genuine involvement rather than informing the public of decisions already made.
• Several panel members agreed that participants should be referred to consistently as Public and Patient Voice Partners (PPV Partners).
• A panel member raised concern about the term ‘entrepreneurs’ and suggested an alternative be explored.
• A panel member emphasised the importance of involving SDE lay members from networks across the country as genuine stakeholders in the process.
• In response to a question about equality, diversity and inclusion, the presenter confirmed that targeted discussion groups would seek diverse participation, with a more structured approach to representation at the larger deliberative events.
• A representative from the National Care Forum asked whether resources would be available to support participation by people with learning disabilities and those with lived experience. The presenter welcomed recommendations from the panel regarding relevant contacts and communities.

5. Any other business

The panel were reminded to contact the secretariat register any interest in the Influence and Impact course by August and of the next meeting date.