New datasets from ADR Wales
This year has seen significant progress in expanding the breadth and depth of data available within the SAIL Databank, thanks to the dedication, expertise, and collaborative approach of the ADR Wales Data Acquisition team and colleagues across SAIL.
The acquisition and onboarding of new datasets is a complex process that requires close partnership with data partners, careful governance oversight, and a thorough understanding of how data can be used to deliver meaningful research outcomes. Throughout the year, the team has worked extensively with data owners and stakeholders to establish robust data sharing arrangements, develop comprehensive metadata, and ensure that datasets are fully understood, appropriately governed, and research-ready.
These efforts have resulted in a growing portfolio of health, social care, education, workforce, and administrative data sources that, when linked securely within the SAIL Databank, provide researchers with unprecedented opportunities to generate insights that can inform policy, practice, and public services across Wales and beyond.
Among the newly available or imminent data acquisitions progressed this year are:
Adults Receiving Care and Support (ARCS) data is now available within SAIL and is already supporting research through an ADR Wales-funded partnership project involving the CARE LAB team at Cardiff University, Swansea University, Social Care Wales, and the Welsh Government.
Discussions around access to Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Data remain encouraging, with the data expected to be an important resource for workforce and professional regulation research.
PAYE (P14D) Data governance is progressing well, with readiness anticipated during the autumn of 2026, planned for initial use on an ADR-Wales Ymateb approved SAIL project.
National Vascular Registry Data (NVRD) will be ready for researchers to access within SAIL later this year.
UCAS Data onboarding is progressing well, representing an exciting addition that will enhance opportunities for education and life-course research.
National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) Data has been reintroduced and is once again available within SAIL, providing valuable opportunities to support research into physical activity, prevention, and population health outcomes.
These achievements reflect not only the hard work of the Data Acquisition team but also the strength of the relationships built with data partners, policymakers, researchers, and partner organisations. Together, these collaborations are helping to create an increasingly rich and diverse research environment, enabling accredited researchers to answer important questions and deliver evidence that supports better outcomes for individuals, communities, and public services.
As we continue to expand the range of data sources available through SAIL, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance, security, and public trust while maximising the value of data for population-scale research.
