A health data research programme serving the Thames Valley and Surrey has been named as a finalist for a prestigious national award.

 

The Thames Valley and Surrey Secure Data Environment (TVS SDE) is shortlisted in the Data Integration Project of the Year category at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2026, which celebrate outstanding collaboration between NHS organisations and industry partners.

 

Developed in partnership between Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), Telefónica Tech and Starlight Consulting, the TVS SDE is a secure, ethical platform that enables researchers and healthcare professionals to access NHS data safely and responsibly. This helps support new research, improve patient care and drive innovation across the region.

 

The platform serves 4.3 million people across the region, bringing together data from hospitals, mental health services, community care, ambulance services and GP practices.

 

By simplifying access to this information, the project removes barriers that have historically slowed research and service improvements, such as inconsistent access and complex governance processes.

 

The TVS SDE is co-produced with patients, public contributors, clinicians, and researchers, ensuring that the platform is shaped by those it serves and is built on the principles of transparency, trust and public benefit.

 

It is part of the England-wide SDE Network, funded by NHS England’s Data for Research and Development Programme. The SDE Network provides approved researchers with fast, secure, and streamlined access to the health and care data they need, empowering them to do research that improves care and treatment for NHS patients.

  • Our vision for the TVS SDE is to drive value from the rich NHS data that has historically been difficult to access for research and innovation. Working alongside Telefónica Tech and Starlight Consulting, we’ve built a secure and transparent data service shaped by the needs of patients, public partners, clinicians and researchers. Being shortlisted reflects the collective effort and shared ambition behind this programme and of the positive impact it is already having across our region.

    Kerrie Woods

    Director, Thames Valley and Surrey Secure Data Environment

  • Patients and the public play a key role in the data use approvals for the SDE Network. SDEs are also engaging more widely with patients and the public to build trust about how the NHS uses data for research and ensuring it's done safely and effectively. Strong partnerships between the NHS and industry are crucial to achieve the SDE Network's mission to streamline and ensure safe, ethical and proportionate access to health data for research.

    Hilary Fanning

    Senior Responsible Owner for the Data for Research and Development Programm

  • We are truly honoured that this project has been shortlisted for the HSJ Partnership Awards 2026. This recognition highlights what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared commitment to transforming healthcare through data. The TVS SDE is a powerful example of how secure, scalable, and ethical data platforms can accelerate research, empower clinicians, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

    Chris Uren

    Data & AI Public Sector Sales Director at Telefónica Tech

  • The TVS SDE is one of the most ambitious and meaningful health data programmes in the UK. It has been a privilege to work with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Telefónica Tech to turn this vision into reality. What makes this project truly stand out is the co-production approach bringing together the NHS, academia, industry, and public partners to build a trusted, future-ready environment. Being shortlisted is testament to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved.

    Ross Fullerton

    Co-founder of Starlight Consulting

The three organisations are among more than 160 finalists selected from over 240 entries for the 2026 awards. Winners will be announced at an event in London on Thursday 19 March.

 

Find out more about the TVS SDE project:

 

About Telefónica Tech

Telefónica Tech is a leading provider of digital transformation services across Business Applications, Data & AI, Cloud, and Cyber Security. With a consultative approach and end-to-end capabilities across the Microsoft stack, we help organisations radically transform their business models, drive efficiencies, and achieve sustainable growth.