PPIE Member Insights: Strengthening Partnership Working Across the SDE Network
Members of our Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Groups recently participated in the National PPIE SDE Network Event in London. This event brought together public contributors, NHS England leadership, and regional SDE teams to review network progress, share best practice, and strengthen collaborative approaches to programme delivery.
For our members, it was an opportunity to see firsthand how their voices influence decision-making across the SDE Network and to identify areas for continued improvement in our partnership working.
PPIE Members Perspective:
The value of networking and shared learnings emerged as a consistent theme throughout the event. Public members from different SDEs found particular benefit in connecting with peers from other regions,
Katherine, a Public Member for the NENC SDE, agreed: “It was great to be able to be to meet staff and public members from other SDE’s. This allowed ideas to be shared and the opportunity to learn from each other.
Hearing about the initiatives and progress made in other SDE’s was inspiring and showed the purpose of the work.”
Evette, another Public Member for the NENC SDE, also shared a similar experience: “I was sitting next to a Public Involvement member from East Anglia. He shared that his group had gone through the application process from start to finish to try and see and learn where and if at all, the process could be improved or maybe even streamlined in any way.
This, in my opinion, is a good example of what went well at the event because many of us were able to network and learn from each other.”
Members of public also valued the showcase of their contribution to the Network and examples on how public shaped the SDE Network so far:
Michael, Y&H SDE PPIE member shared:"As a PPIE member, I genuinely appreciated being included in these conversations. The opening sessions made me feel valued, and it was encouraging to hear how our voices have already contributed to real improvements across the Network.“
Another public member from Y&H SDE, Tina, reflected: “Overall, the day was a 10 in scores! It was so great to meet other volunteers and meet the teams throughout the region.
It was rather satisfying to note the contributions our work would have contributed to regarding Cancer and Neonatal care. Especially since most people have a family member or friend who has been affected by these unfortunate events.”
Public members across regions were keen on the discussion around developing a shared Patient Charter. Attendees recognised the importance of establishing consistent principles and clear messaging across the SDE Network, whilst also ensuring regional teams retain the flexibility to meet local needs.
Katherine noted, “The discussions around the Public Charter were really beneficial. We made good headway in recording what we think would need to be included and it seems that there were many values that were agreed on across all regions.
“It seemed we came to the conclusion that having a public charter would definitely be useful as many of the principles apply across the nation, but also the need to acknowledge that each SDE will know the people in their region best, therefore having the flexibility to implement this charter as they feel best fits would be needed.”
Michael added: “The session on developing a Network-wide patient promise/charter stood out the most for me. Hearing what matters to public members in different areas helped me reflect on my own experiences and what I believe should be prioritised. It felt meaningful to be part of a conversation that could shape something so important.”
Evette also said that Public Charter “was one of the common key themes that was discussed at each table. A shared Patient Charter or Social License for all the SDEs will help us all generally 'singing from the same hymn sheet'”
Looking Forward
Across regions, public members found the event valuable in deepening their understanding of SDE work and future plans. As Tina summarised: “I came away feeling that I have actual learnt quite a bit regarding terminology and function of Secure Data Environment. The job of balancing public perception, education and protection is a continual need of with I take great pride!”
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