GM Data Access Governance

At the core of the arrangements underpinning the use of data for direct care and secondary uses lies a robust governance framework, designed to ensure that data usage is safe, secure, and fully aligned with the interests of data controllers and the public supporting projects that benefit the people of Greater Manchester. ​

Greater Manchester has established a robust and transparent governance model for data sharing, designed to support both direct care and secondary uses of data at scale. Decisions on data access are made through shared decision‑making, bringing together data controllers and public representatives who are equipped to apply local insight, collective scrutiny and system‑wide perspectives. This ensures decisions are proportionate, trusted and grounded in the needs of the GM population.​

The approach is built on lawful, responsible and transparent data use, underpinned by award‑winning information governance arrangements and the “Five Safes” framework. A clear public record of data access decisions, strong public engagement, and responsiveness to community voices are central to the model. Together, this creates a secure and credible environment for partners to collaborate, innovate and deliver safe, clinically effective and cost‑effective outcomes using GM data.

Details of the data access governance groups are shown below.

Permissions to use deidentified patient information for research in Greater Manchester

Following our application via the national Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG) we have support from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to process confidential patient information without consent for non-research purposes under Regulation 5 of the Health Service (Control of Patient Information) Regulations 2002 (‘section 251 support’).

In February 2024, a similar application to process confidential patient information without consent for research purposes. The outcome of that application was approved in April 2024.

More information about the regulations that govern research and the SDE can be found at: https://gmwearebettertogether.com/your-privacy-and-the-gm-care-record/