Secure Data Environments are data storage and access platforms, which uphold the highest standards of privacy and security of NHS health and social care data when used for research and analysis.
What is a Secure Data Environment?
Turning data into discovery
The Wessex SDE is owned and run by the NHS. It gives researchers fast, expert-supported access to real-world health data – enabling discoveries that improve care and strengthen the NHS.
The SDE is a data storage and access cloud computing platform where large amounts of patient health data can be stored, linked together, and accessed by approved researchers. It has been built to the highest privacy and security standards for NHS data.
The NHS has full control over who can access the data, the information that users can see, the actions that users can perform with the data, and the results of analysis that users can take out. Researchers will not see confidential patient information.
We’re part of the NHS Research SDE Network, which provides consistent, trusted routes for approved research across England.
Patients and the public first
Every project in the Wessex SDE must deliver clear public benefit. That is the foundation of how we work and why public partnership is built into the heart of the service.
Alongside strict legal and regulatory safeguards, we operate within a social licence – a shared agreement, co-designed with people across Wessex, about how NHS data should be used and the limits of what is acceptable. This ensures that decisions reflect public expectations, not just technical standards.
Trust is not a one-off exercise. It is an ongoing, active process. An active group of public contributors – our Digital Critical Friends – takes part in key decisions, reviews new policies, and help shape how the SDE evolves. Their involvement helps turn principles into practice and keeps us accountable to the NHS patients and members of the public whose data makes this work possible.
Why Secure Data Environments matter
The UK holds one of the most complete sets of health records in the world – a unique public resource that, when used safely, helps improve care, prevent illness, and support new discoveries.
Unlocking this potential has been a challenge, as vital information is scattered across a maze of disconnected NHS systems and inconsistent data-sharing practices nationwide.
The NHS is changing this. Through the Data Saves Lives strategy, it is strengthening public confidence in how data is used and protected by moving from data sharing to secure data access. Instead of sending datasets between organisations, approved researchers now access data within SDEs.
All SDEs follow the nationally recognised Five Safes Framework – Safe People, Safe Projects, Safe Data, Safe Settings and Safe Outputs – to make sure data is used responsibly, securely and only for approved research.
What makes the Wessex SDE different
We are practical partners in high-impact research.
The Wessex SDE supports major national studies in areas such as dementia, cancer, emergency care, and bowel disease — helping to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for the public. By combining high-quality data with clinical expertise and public involvement, we accelerate health innovation for real-world impact and deliver research that makes a difference for patients and the NHS.
The Wessex SDE’s research focus is shaped by, and draws on, the distinct strengths of our region: Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Dorset, which are home to around three million people.
Our population is diverse, spanning large urban centres, rural and coastal communities, significant armed forces and veteran populations, university towns, areas of deprivation, and growing numbers of people living with long-term conditions. This mix reflects many of the health challenges faced across England, making Wessex an ideal place to support research that improves care both locally and nationally.
We are part of a national network.
The Wessex SDE is part of the NHS Research SDE Network covering England. NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care are creating this network so health data can be used more safely, with stronger privacy protections, public oversight, and delivering clear public benefit.
This work is part of national commitments to improve trust in how NHS data is used, including providing secure access rather than sharing data, reducing information leaving the NHS, and applying the Five Safes Framework. All SDEs are NHS-owned and follow the same rules to support research that benefits patients.
Meet the Wessex SDE team
The Wessex SDE is led by a senior team drawn from across the NHS, academia, and data science. Together, they oversee the strategy, operations and governance of the service, making sure our work delivers public benefit, supports high-quality research and meets the highest standards of security and transparency.
Prof. Christopher Kipps
Senior Responsible Officer
Chris is a consultant neurologist with an active research programme in dementia and long-term neurological conditions.
Prof. James Batchelor
Technical lead
James is the University of Southampton's Professorial Fellow of Clinical Informatics and Healthcare Innovation.
Mark Heffernan
Director of Operations
Mark Heffernan leads SDE operations and partnerships, drawing on three decades’ experience in data platforms, secure environments and NHS-focused system design.
Dr Mikayala King
Risk and Information Governance Lead
Mikayala King leads risk and information governance for the SDE, overseeing data security, compliance, user validation and safe data access processes.
Dr Rachel Chappell
Chair of the Wessex DAC & SDE Delivery and Centre of Excellence Lead
Rachel is Chair of the Wessex Data Access Committee and Manager of the Southampton Emerging Therapies and Technologies (SETT) Centre at University Hospital Southampton.
Dr Ashley Heinson
CIRU Service Lead
Ashley Heinson oversees the SDE’s secure infrastructure and compliant data workflows, ensuring safe, reliable technical operations for researchers.
Dr Matt Stammers
Clinical Lead
Matt Stammers leads clinical oversight for the SDE, developing new data registries and driver projects, and engaging clinicians across UHS and the wider Wessex region.
Ralph Scott
Communications and PPIE Lead (Interim)
Ralph Scott leads communications, public and patient involvement, and the Digital Critical Friends Secretariat, supporting openness and public confidence in the Wessex SDE.
Hayley Angel
Finance and Funder Management Lead (Interim)
Hayley Angel oversees finance and funder management for the SDE, providing clear, accountable stewardship of resources and supporting effective relationships with partners and funders.
Our partners
We collaborate with partners from the technology, industry, data, and research sectors as well as NHS, academic, and third sector sectors.
