The Five Safes framework

​​The Five Safes framework helps make sure data are handled in a way that protects people's privacy and supports safe, responsible and ethical use across NSW Health. It guides decisions about when data can be used, who can access it, and the conditions that must be in place.

 

Safe projects

• Data are shared only for appropriate, lawful, and ethical purposes.
• Projects must prove they have a public benefit and follow privacy legislation.

Safe people

• Only authorised, trained, and trustworthy individuals can access data.
  
• All users agree to strict conditions on what they are allowed to do with the data.

Safe data

• Only the minimum amount of data needed is shared.
• Sensitive data are removed where possible and only shared when essential, with strong safeguards to reduce risk.

Safe settings

• Strong controls apply to how data are accessed, analysed, shared, stored and deleted, ensuring it remains protected at every stage.
• Secure Data Environments are used to protect privacy.

Safe outputs

• Ensuring public reports or findings from data sharing projects do not identify people or organisations
• Outputs must avoid harm to individuals or communities.