NHS Research SDE Network Registration Service
From 1 April 2026, all organisations and individuals interested in applying to access health data through the SDE Network must complete the registration process.
Your organisation (for example, your employer, your NHS Trust, or your university) must register first. Once they have done this you will be able to register as an individual researcher.
Both you and your organisation must each be registered before any requests to access health and social care data can be approved.
Registration ensures that organisations and individuals seeking access to NHS data via the SDE Network are safe to do so, in line with the Five Safes framework. Adherence with the framework ensures appropriate safeguards are in place throughout the data access process.
You and your organisation only need to complete the registration process once in order to be able to apply for data access from any SDE in the network. This will make it more straightforward for you if you need to use data from more than one SDE for your research.
Registration checks alone do not allow access to data; they are one part of a wider data access process.
Registration enables users to apply for access to data, but individual projects will still need to go through a thorough application and approval basis before data can be accessed. This process includes independent scrutiny by Data Access Committees which include members of the public.
How to apply for registration
Getting access to health data for research through an SDE requires successful completion of two parallel processes: passing registration checks, and applying for access. Both must be completed before the data is made available.
Start your registration enquiry here:
- Apply for registration as an organisation
- Apply for registration as an individual
If you have any questions about the SDE Network Registration Service, email england.data.healthresearch@nhs.net.
FAQs
What does it cost to become registered with the User Registration Service?
Registration is free for both individuals and organisations.
To find out more, visit the NHS Research SDE Network Registration Service.
How long does it take to become registered with the User Registration Service?
Most applications can be processed within 1 month, but might take longer if there is missing information or any complications.
To find out more, visit the NHS Research SDE Network Registration Service.
I’m already approved to use the Health Data Research Gateway, do I need to be registered as well?
Yes, you still need to apply for SDE Network registration.
To find out more, visit the NHS Research SDE Network Registration Service.
Can anyone can register an organisation?
No, there are several important requirements for the person registering an organisation, including being authorised to take decisions and sign legal agreements on the organisation’s behalf.
To find out more visit the NHS Research SDE Network Registration Service page for organisation applications.
Are all organisations eligible to register?
No, only organisations that can demonstrate robust data security and information governance can register.
To find out more visit the NHS Research SDE Network Registration Service page for organisation applications.
Where can I find more information about registering as an organisation?
To find out more visit the NHS Research SDE Network Registration Service page for organisation applications
How long am I registered for?
It is expected that registration shall be for a duration of 5 years, for both users and organisations.
There is more detailed information about the annual reporting requirements for organisations on the the NHS Research SDE Network Registration Service page for organisation applications.