Independent report

National Data Library Report: executive summary

Published 15 April 2026

Executive summary

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) commissioned Ipsos UK to provide qualitative research to inform the discovery phase of the development of the National Data Library (NDL). To understand the general public’s initial perceptions and their level of support for the NDL, Ipsos conducted ten online focus groups, alongside ten depth interviews between 11 February and 5 March 2025.

Communicating the National Data Library

• Transparency was seen as paramount for building trust and acceptance of the NDL. Participants strongly desired clear communication about who could have access to what data and for what purposes. They felt the public should be engaged in ongoing consultations to address concerns. While participants wanted transparency, they cautioned against information overload which could disengage the public.

• Demonstrating tangible, personal benefits was seen as key to securing public support. Participants emphasised the importance of communicating how the NDL will positively impact their individual lives, not just society at large. Those in devolved nations also wanted clear communication about plans explaining how any benefits reached beyond England.

• Opinions diverged on the ideal frequency of NDL progress updates, ranging from communication at key milestones to more regular updates to build trust.

• Particular attention should be paid to engaging groups who may need additional support, such as older people, those who are digitally excluded, and schoolchildren. Participants emphasised the importance of building understanding among these audiences due to their vulnerabilities, with targeted engagement strategies and tailored materials.

• In particular, digitally excluded participants strongly emphasised the need to have information about the NDL in physical spaces. They often suggested partnering with trusted public service broadcasters to communicate about the NDL through news segments and documentaries.

General attitudes towards government data sharing 

• There was recognition of the potential benefit to improve public services in connection with cross-government data sharing. However, participants often struggled to spontaneously identify any further benefits. Benefits were also often outweighed by concerns about data privacy and misuse.

• Lack of trust and scepticism towards the government underpinned participants’ perceptions of government data sharing and use. Participants felt uninformed about the legalities and mechanisms of government data sharing, feeling they had little control.

• There was a widespread assumption the government already collects and shares vast amounts of data, despite the reality being more limited.

• Awareness and attitudes were shaped by personal experiences including professional familiarity with data sharing (and associated regulations) and interactions with public services, especially in relation to health or welfare.

• Demographic factors also had an influence. Participants from higher social grades tended to be more inquisitive about the extent of government data sharing, whereas digitally excluded groups drew more on direct experiences of fragmented public services and had limited awareness of current data sharing practices.

Reactions to the National Data Library

• Initial associations with the term “National Data Library” evoked concerns about a central repository of data with public access, shaping participants’ scepticism towards the initiative. The use of the word “library” significantly influenced these concerns.

• Limited information and detail about the NDL meant attitudes were heavily influenced by broader views on government data sharing, public service experiences, and technological engagement.

• Despite recognising potential public service improvements from data sharing facilitated via the NDL, participants often defaulted to questioning whether the government has undisclosed intentions.

• Providing information about the NDL’s proposed design as an access facilitator rather than a centralised repository helped alleviate some concerns. However, misconceptions persisted about it being a central store of data, with participants often returning to this perception of the NDL despite being told otherwise.

• Participants’ professional exposure to data sharing and technology strongly influenced their ability to understand the NDL’s potential benefits and applications. This was the case across all social grades and region.

Rules and governance for the NDL

• Participants often suggested rules for the NDL spontaneously which were in line with their understanding of general data sharing. Their suggestions overlapped with the proposed rules for the NDL, apart from the Trusted Research Environment which participants were less familiar with. Hearing that the NDL would strictly adhere to legal requirements and GDPR was also reassuring.

• There was a desire for greater clarity about the governance of the NDL. Participants felt the purpose of facilitating data sharing via the NDL should be in the public interest, and they sought rules about who could have access and for what purpose especially if this involved bodies outside of the public sector.

• There was a preference for the NDL to primarily grant access to anonymised or aggregate data to reduce the potential for harm and ensure qualified and authorised access only.

• Participants wanted the public to have influence over how the NDL would be managed, the mechanisms in place to do this and any subsequent instances of data sharing. This included opportunities to give their consent to opt-in or out.