We enjoy the chance to work with talented people on breakthrough initiatives that will make an impact. 

So, we were pleased to help the Programme Board of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), North West Secure Data Environment (NWSDE). As part of a broader NHS initiative, the NWSDE will provide researchers access to secure health datasets to improve health and care outcomes for people in the North West Region of England. 

This complex programme has different workstreams, multiple stakeholders, users and research applications. The team has made significant progress and is working at a tremendous pace. However, as with any extensive programme, you must occasionally pause and reassess your strategic priorities.

So, working with the team, that's what we did, and then joined the dots of different workstreams with users' needs to ensure they could achieve the programme goals. 

In preparation for this project, we reflected on some vital questions that need addressing as you progress through any complex 'new to the world' initiatives:

• Has new information come to light that causes us to reassess our vision and purpose?

• If so, what are the implications for this project's scope, resources and workstreams?

• Are our decisions still focused on delivering value to our users and the people we serve?

• Are we making time for the team to work through complex challenges in person and share different perspectives and ideas? We all know that is vital.

Time spent with your team reflecting and 'kicking the tyres' on the big questions is not just time well spent; it's invaluable.

It re-energises people, strengthens relationships, and builds new connections.

These moments of collective reflection and problem-solving truly propel projects forward.