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The NIHR ImperiaBRC Data Access and Prioritisation Committee (DAC) reviews applications to access health data within the ImperiaSecure Data Environment. This is part of a wider application process, the details of which can be found [here]. 

The Committee considers whether proposed projects are in the public interest and meet the required information governance, data protection and clinical requirements.

Presenting your project

A representative from your research team will be invited to attend the Committee to present your proposal and answer questions from the panel.

The Committee brings together expertise from information governance, clinical practice, research, ICT and public and patient representatives.

How to prepare

Please prepare a three-minute, lay-friendly summary covering:

• Why the research is important
• What you are trying to find out
• What you hope to achieve
• Why you need access to health data

Please use clear, everyday language and avoid medical abbreviations, technical terms and jargon. Community partners are part of the Committee, so your project should be understandable to someone without a medical or research background.

You do not need to prepare slides.

Public and patient involvement

Community partners  are embedded within the DAC, ensuring that the patient and public perspective is part of decisions about access to health data.

Information about our current community partners can be found here

Who is on the Committee?

The Committee is chaired by Sanjay Gautama, ICHT Caldicott Guardian, and Erik Mayer, Transformation Chief Clinical Information Officer. It also includes senior clinicians from ICHT, research leads from º£½ÇÉçÇø, representatives from the ICHT Data Protection Office, ICT staff and members of the public.

Upcoming meetings

 Applications should be submitted by 4pm on the stated deadline to be considered for that month's meeting.

After the DAC meeting

Shortly after presenting your project, you will receive your application back with comments from the Committee’s lay partners. You will need to revise your application to address their feedback and return it within three working days.

If the revised application is submitted after this deadline, you may need to wait an additional four weeks before it can be reviewed.

Once the Committee’s lay partners are satisfied with the changes, and any additional approvals or sign-offs have been completed, your project will be formally approved.

Feel free to contact us on for queries about the DAC: imperial.dataaccessrequest@nhs.net