Frequently asked questions
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What is the Analytics and Data Science Platform?
The Analytics and Data Science Platform, known as ADSP, is NHS Greater Manchester’s shared data and analytics platform. It supports activities such as population health management, service planning, operational improvement, evaluation, research and analysis.
It helps NHS Greater Manchester and partner organisations better understand the needs of local communities and use information to support decisions about health and care services.
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Why does NHS Greater Manchester use health and care data?
Health and care data helps us understand how services are being used, where there are differences in access or outcomes, and how services can be planned and improved for local people.
It can support population health management, service planning, commissioning, performance reporting, evaluation, operational intelligence, research and direct care decision-making where appropriate.
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What technology is ADSP made up of?
ADSP is made up of a range of modern technologies rather than a single product or supplier. These include tools that support data collection, storage, orchestration, engineering, analytics and visualisation. The platform has evolved over a number of years to meet the needs of Greater Manchester’s health and care system.
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Is ADSP a UK-based or sovereign platform?
ADSP is best described as a UK-delivered platform built from a mixture of technologies. It is owned and governed by NHS Greater Manchester and our partners.
Like many digital platforms, some underlying technologies may originate from international technology providers. However, governance, operation, data stewardship, data storage and decision-making remain under UK control. Patient data does not leave the UK.
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Can ADSP operate at the scale needed for Greater Manchester
Yes. ADSP supports analysis across a health and care system serving approximately 3.3 million people. The platform manages data from a range of national and local sources and support a wide range of uses, including population health management, service planning, operational improvement, evaluation, approved research and analysis.
Usage continues to evolve as new capabilities are added and organisations expand their use of shared analytics.
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How much does ADSP cost?
The cost of ADSP varies over time because it supports a number of services, teams, contracts and functions across Greater Manchester’s health and care system. The current value of non-pay contracts is £5.57m, with an annualised platform cost of £2.53m.
This does not include the costs of accessing data from DSCRO or the provision of the Shared Care Record, which also supplies data to ADSP.
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Does ADSP replace local NHS or care systems?
No. Hospitals, GP practices, local authorities and other organisations continue to use their own frontline systems. ADSP complements these systems by bringing together information where there is a lawful basis and an approved purpose for doing so.
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Who can access information in ADSP?
Access is strictly controlled. Only authorised users can access the platform, and only where there is a lawful basis and legitimate purpose.
Authorised users may include:
- NHS analysts
- Commissioning teams
- Public health specialists
- Clinical teams
- Approved researchers
- Academic partners
Access permissions vary according to role and need. Users only receive access to the information and functions necessary for their work.
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How is patient privacy protected?
Protecting patient confidentiality is a fundamental priority. ADSP operates within NHS information governance requirements, UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act and NHS security standards.
Safeguards include user approval processes, identity management, multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, audit logging, monitoring, data minimisation and pseudonymisation where appropriate.
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Can private companies access data through ADSP?
Access by commercial organisations is only possible in limited circumstances and would be subject to strict approval, governance, security and public benefit requirements. No organisation is given unrestricted access to data that NHS Greater Manchester has responsibility for.
Where access is requested for research, service improvement or innovation, this must go through appropriate governance and approval processes.
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What is the Secure Data Environment?
The Greater Manchester Secure Data Environment sits within the wider ADSP ecosystem. It provides a controlled environment that allows approved researchers to access de-identified health data for research without removing data from the secure environment.
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Can residents opt out of their data being used?
Yes. National NHS data opt-out arrangements apply to certain uses of confidential patient information for purposes beyond individual care, such as research and planning, and NHS Greater Manchester honours these where they apply.
ADSP also operates a local data opt-out arrangement for purposes other than direct care. Further information is available through Greater Manchester public information resources.
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What is the Federated Data Platform?
The NHS Federated Data Platform, known as FDP, is a national NHS programme. NHS Greater Manchester considered FDP through its public Board governance arrangements in May 2025. NHS Greater Manchester currently uses its established local Analytics and Data Science Platform to support its data and analytics requirements.
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Is NHS Greater Manchester sharing data through FDP?
No. NHS Greater Manchester has not signed the FDP Memorandum of Understanding and has not onboarded to FDP. NHS Greater Manchester is not using FDP instances, apps or products.
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Are NHS Trusts in Greater Manchester using FDP?
Some NHS trusts in Greater Manchester may use national FDP products for the data they control. NHS Greater Manchester is not onboarded to FDP, but works with local NHS partners where needed to support strategic and interoperability work across the system.
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Does NHS Greater Manchester use data safely and lawfully?
Yes. NHS Greater Manchester is committed to using data safely, lawfully and transparently to support better health and care for people in Greater Manchester.
Our focus is on protecting patient confidentiality, maintaining strong information governance, and ensuring data is used responsibly for service improvement, planning, research and patient benefit.
