Context
The HDRC identified challenges in how Newcastle City Council data was shared for research, including poor visibility of available datasets, limited oversight, low transparency for residents and difficulties linking council data with health data.
Action
To address this, the HDRC partnered with the NHS North East and North Cumbria Secure Data Environment and have planned a pilot to test flowing council data into this trusted research platform. They also secured a place for local authorities on the Secure Data Environment (SDE) Data Access Committee, ensuring local authority voice is included in decisions about data use.
Result
Local authority perspectives are now embedded in regional data governance, strengthening relationships and shaping the regional health research agenda. In time, adding council datasets into the SDE will provide a more consistent and secure way to share data, while also making it easier to link council and health data for research. Together, these developments will create better opportunities for impactful research on the wider determinants of health and support evidence‑based policymaking that benefits communities.