The Clinical and Scientific Advisory Board will provide independent clinical and scientific advice, leadership and constructive challenge to the West Midlands Secure Data Environment.

The Board will help ensure that the development and use of the WM SDE is informed by high-quality clinical and scientific expertise and remains focused on delivering meaningful benefits for patients, clinicians, researchers and communities across the West Midlands.

The CSAB will:

• Provide independent clinical and scientific advice on the strategic direction and priorities of the WM SDE
• Help ensure research enabled through the SDE is clinically relevant, scientifically robust and capable of delivering meaningful impact
• Provide expert advice and constructive challenge as new technologies, research methods and uses of health data emerge;support the safe, ethical and responsible use of health data
• Help identify opportunities where the SDE can support improvements in health and care and contribute to reducing health inequalities
• Provide recommendations and expert advice directly to the WM SDE Programme Board.

The CSAB will act as a critical friend to the programme. Its role is not simply to review what has already been decided, but to bring external expertise, different perspectives and constructive challenge to help shape what the WM SDE does next.

We want the CSAB to reflect the breadth of clinical, scientific and academic expertise across the West Midlands.

We are looking for senior clinicians, scientists, academics and system leaders who can bring strategic insight, subject-matter expertise and an independent perspective to the Board.

We are particularly keen to hear from colleagues with experience or expertise in:

• Primary care
• Community health services
• Mental health services
• Acute care
• Genomics
• Data science and health informatics
• Research and academia
• The use of health data to improve services, outcomes and population health.

We welcome interest from across the whole West Midlands health and care system.

You do not need to be a technical expert in secure data environments. We are interested in people who can bring their professional expertise, ask challenging questions, contribute constructively to strategic discussions and help us consider how the WM SDE can best serve patients, professionals, researchers and communities.

We also want the Board to bring together a diversity of professional backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that reflects the population and health and care system of the West Midlands.

CSAB members will be expected to contribute actively to Board discussions, provide independent advice and challenge, and draw on their professional expertise and networks to support the development of the WM SDE.

Interested individuals should register to join our CSAB Info Session. This will provide more information about the purpose and what will be expected from members. It is also an opportunity for those interested to ask any questions they may have. You will need to register to an Info Session with the below link: 

Following the information session, those interested will be emailed and invited to complete an Expression of Interest form and submit a CV. Applications need to be submitted by 12 October 2026. 

Applications will be considered against the skills, expertise and perspectives needed to establish a diverse and balanced Board. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to a short interview, expected to take place in late October or early November 2026. 

We encourage applications from colleagues across the West Midlands and from the full range of professional backgrounds and services described above. 

What is the West Midlands Secure Data Environment?

The West Midlands Secure Data Environment provides a secure environment through which approved users can access and analyse health data for approved research and analysis.

Rather than data being routinely transferred to researchers, secure data environments are designed so that approved users can access the data they need within a controlled environment, with safeguards around how data is accessed and used.

The WM SDE covers six integrated care systems (ICSs) in the West Midlands, with a total population of 6.2 million and 848 health and social care partner organisations. The WM SDE is part of the wider work to enable the safe and responsible use of health data for research and improvement. 

What will the CSAB do?

The CSAB will provide independent clinical and scientific expertise, advice and constructive challenge to the WM SDE. It will help shape strategic priorities, support research quality and relevance, and advise on opportunities and emerging developments.

Recommendations from the CSAB will feed directly into the WM SDE Programme Board.

Why are you recruiting now?

The WM SDE is entering a new phase of its development. Technology, data infrastructure and research methods are evolving rapidly, and it is important that the programme’s future direction is informed by strong external clinical and scientific expertise.

We are therefore establishing the CSAB and recruiting its founding members.

Who will chair the Board?

The CSAB will be chaired by Dr Masood Nazir, who brings extensive experience of working across different areas and levels of healthcare.

Dr Nazir will work alongside Professor Simon Ball, Senior Responsible Officer for the West Midlands SDE, and the wider WM SDE leadership team.

Are there any criteria for who can apply?

We are looking for a mix of expertise and experience from clinical, scientific, academic and system perspectives from across the health and care sector. You do not need expertise in data science or be working in an NHS organisation. 

An important part of the CSAB’s role will be bringing different perspectives together. 

Which professional areas are you particularly interested in?

We particularly welcome interest from colleagues working in primary care, community and mental health services, genomics and data science, as well as colleagues from acute trusts and the wider West Midlands health and care system.

How much time will I need to commit?

• Membership is an initial 12-month term, renewable annually by agreement. 

• CSAB meetings are expected monthly for the first 3 to 6 months, then bi-monthly or quarterly. 

• Membership itself is not remunerated. Reasonable expenses, for example travel to an in-person meeting, will be reimbursed.