Unlocking the Full Potential of Data & AI for NHS Trusts
Over the last decade, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across the NHS have steadily built up a powerful, locally grounded foundation of data capabilities. These investments have equipped public health teams, analysts, clinicians, and administrators with the intelligence they need to deliver better, faster, and more targeted care.
Now, the NHS is moving forward with the Federated Data Platform (FDP) — a national initiative to create a shared, secure data infrastructure that enables richer insights, more equitable access, and joined-up working across the system. With FDP+, a value-added enablement layer designed to operate on top of the FDP, the opportunity exists to extend—not replace—the value already created locally.
This document explores how FDP+ complement existing NHS investments, offers continuity for local data excellence, and opens the door to a new era of collaboration and intelligence.
Recognising the Strength of What's Already Been Built
The NHS has not waited for a national platform to begin its data transformation journey. Across England, ICBs have made significant investments that have led to operational maturity, analytical capability, and strong governance models. These investments were guided by national strategy but executed at the local level, giving each system a tailored architecture suited to its population needs.
ICBs have already delivered:
- Relational databases and bespoke data models
- Integrated data linkages across services
- Robust information governance for lawful secondary use
- Skilled analysts proficient in SQL, R, Python, and Power BI
- Automated reporting scripts, dashboards, and tailored outputs
These foundations will not be redundant in the future with FDP. On the contrary, they represent the readiness that the NHS has been striving for.
The Role of FDP: Unlocking Federated Value
FDP is not a system but a federated architecture — a way of connecting, governing, and collaborating with data that respects local ownership while enabling national scale. It brings capabilities such as:
- Secure access and federated collaboration
- Standardisation of key datasets
- Shared tooling and environments
- Advanced analytics at regional and national scale
FDP empowers the NHS to work smarter and faster — together.
Introducing FDP+: A Layer of Enablement
FDP+ sits on top of FDP. It provides additional tools, services, integration layers, and assurance capabilities to accelerate adoption and unlock value.
FDP+ builds on existing NHS investments by:
- Supporting analysts’ preferred tools (SQL, R, Python, Power BI)
- Enhancing interoperability with APIs and data connectors
- Respecting and aligning with existing IG arrangements
- Coexisting with local contracts and dashboards
This means FDP+ is not disruptive — it’s enabling.
A Phased Journey of Enablement
Phase 1: Readiness & Integration
- FDP interoperability validation
- DPIA, DSPT, and governance alignment
- Secure data migration and archiving
- Analyst environment setup with familiar tools
Phase 2: AI, Analytics & Advanced Insight
- High-performance computing environments
- Federated AI model development
- Cross-partner dashboards and predictive analytics
- NLP and no-code reporting tools
Phase 3: Automation & Assurance
- Automated workflows and SSO
- Real-time monitoring and alerts
- Continuous compliance testing and security audits
- Proactive risk management and governance optimisation
Enabling Local Autonomy Within National Alignment
FDP and FDP+ are built to respect local innovation while enabling national coordination. They support:
- Partial adoption models
- Role-based access and data control
- Configurable tools based on maturity level
- Continued use of existing data assets and workflows
This empowers ICBs to move at their own pace — without duplication or disruption.
Continuous Improvement & Resilience
FDP+ ensures sustainability and adaptability through:
- Cloud-native infrastructure
- Predictable licensing and cost models
- Automated compliance monitoring
- Built-in support for future decommissioning and evolution
It turns transformation into a continuous service.
A Future of Federated Intelligence
Together, FDP+ offers a practical, scalable, and secure path forward for NHS Trusts and ICBs. They enable better outcomes through shared intelligence while preserving the uniqueness and maturity of local systems.
Whether you are starting the FDP journey or scaling your existing capabilities, FDP+ offers the continuity, assurance, and enablement needed to move forward with confidence.
FDP+ is not a reset — it’s the next step forward.
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