Agenda

Attendees

1. Introductions

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

The panel were reminded to use the chat function during the meeting, with contributions to be incorporated into the minutes. A question was raised about trialling breakout rooms; it was confirmed this would be considered for future meetings where appropriate.

2. Health Data Research Service – policy principles

A DHSC representative presented an overview of the Health Data Research Service (HDRS), a new initiative to simplify how researchers access health and care data.

The presentation covered why and how health data is used for research, current challenges in navigating multiple data access systems, and how HDRS aims to address these through a single point of entry for approved researchers.

Panel feedback included:

• The panel emphasised that public involvement, not just engagement, should be central to development, particularly as governance and structural decisions are already being made.
• Questions were raised about the scope of the service, coordination with the Single Patient Record programme and published milestones.
• The panel stressed the importance of communicating to the public that HDRS builds on existing work rather than starting from scratch.
• It was noted that outcomes and impact should be tracked alongside programme delivery milestones.
• The panel confirmed that social care data being in scope was welcomed.

Actions:

• HDRS to return to the panel to provide updates.

3. OpenSAFELY – overview and problem statements

An NHS England representative provided an overview of OpenSAFELY, a secure platform for analysing electronic health records data for research purposes.

The presenter outlined five problem statements and invited panel views to inform policy development.

Panel feedback included:

• Cost recovery principles were broadly supported. However, where profits arise from use of health data, a proportion should be returned to the NHS
• Questions were raised about whether existing supplier contracts could be renegotiated to reduce costs given existing public funding
• Panel questioned why a well-functioning process would need to change, and noted existing monitoring and audit mechanisms should be considered before making changes
• The SDE governance and prioritisation models were suggested as useful reference points for governance and demand management
• A mixed allocation between NHS analytical use and research was suggested, with any changes communicated transparently to the public
• The current model may need reconsidering given significantly increased demand
• Prioritisation should be considered across the whole health data research landscape rather than OpenSAFELY in isolation, healthcare inequalities and NHS initiatives should also be considered.

4. Any other business

HR update

A brief update was provided on the ongoing HR issues. The secretariat confirmed that a resolution was progressing and that the matter would be escalated further if required.