Three years as National Data Guardian: what I have learnt

Following reappointment for a second term as National Data Guardian, Dr Nicola Byrne reflects on some of the most significant things she has learnt in the role to date.

Dr Nicola Byrne, National Data Guardian for health and social care

Earlier this year, I was honoured to be reappointed as the National Data Guardian (NDG) for a second term. The maximum term is six years. As I stand at this midpoint, I have been reflecting on what I’ve learned and how it can inform my strategic objectives and priorities for the remainder of my term. Through my work and the part data can play, I also want to support our new government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future.   

Better data use (that the public trusts) is central to my mission. This is because data is critical to the long-term health of our NHS, and ensuring its principles and values are upheld in practice.  My approach to the NDG role, meanwhile, is grounded in my vocation as a doctor. I’m determined to protect the relationship of trust between healthcare professionals and their patients. Those of us entrusted with people’s care are all familiar with the moment a patient hesitates, deciding how much they trust us and whether they feel comfortable sharing highly sensitive information that will be entered into their record. People making system-level decisions about healthcare data must always acknowledge and respect the human element behind that data. I urge decision-makers never to forget where it comes from and why people are concerned about how it is used and by whom.