Mark leads the Wessex SDE, overseeing its strategy, partnerships and operations to enable secure, data-enabled research that benefits patients, the NHS and the wider research community.
Mark Heffernan
Mark Heffernan is Managing Director of the Wessex SDE, providing strategic leadership for the organisation and overseeing its operations, partnerships and long-term development. Working with the Senior Leadership Team, he is responsible for delivering the SDE’s vision, developing regional and national partnerships, and ensuring researchers can access high-quality health data through a trusted, efficient and sustainable service.
Mark brings more than 30 years’ experience leading data and digital programmes across healthcare, research and the life sciences. For over a decade he has specialised in the design, implementation and operation of secure data environments and trusted research platforms, working with NHS organisations, universities, research institutes and industry partners in the UK and internationally. His experience spans research infrastructure, data platforms, information governance and the practical application of health data to support research and innovation.
Before joining the Wessex SDE, Mark held senior leadership roles delivering large-scale health data programmes and secure research environments. He continues to work closely with partners across the NHS Research Secure Data Environment Network, helping shape the future of secure, data-enabled research both within Wessex and nationally.