At least six senior health officials in England have disclosed financial or professional links to Palantir Technologies, the US technology firm contracted to develop a £330 million data platform for the National Health Service (NHS). These connections have attracted increased scrutiny amid ongoing debates over potential conflicts of interest and the effectiveness of the project.
Public records reveal that influential figures within the NHS have maintained ties to Palantir as the company expanded its involvement in public sector healthcare initiatives. All declarations of interest were made in accordance with NHS England (NHSE) rules. However, experts and policymakers have raised concerns about how such relationships are managed, particularly when key officials hold shares or advisory positions in firms with substantial government contracts.
Palantir secured its initial NHS contract in 2020, valued at £23.5 million, to extend data operations initiated during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was followed by the 2023 award for the development of the federated data platform (FDP), designed to integrate disparate NHS data systems and improve operational efficiency. The technology company's ties to the Trump administration and questions about the platform’s performance have further intensified public scrutiny ahead of the contract’s renewal next year.
Among the most notable connections is Tim Peachey, who served on Palantir Technologies UK’s health advisory board from 2021 to 2024. During that time, he was also a non-executive director at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and deputy chair of the Isle of Wight NHS Trust. Peachey continues to hold his post at Southampton, which has not commented on his association.
Peter Thomas, executive director of digital development at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust—a user of the FDP—disclosed ownership of Palantir shares in his NHS declaration of interests. The trust confirmed that Thomas no longer held shares as of early 2025.
Other senior NHSE officials have also reported connections to Palantir. Alex Crossley, director of transformation strategy, finance and delivery at NHSE since early 2023, declared Palantir shareholdings in late 2022 while employed at NHSX, the former NHS digital arm, but sold the shares in 2024. William Monaghan, chief digital information officer for university hospital groups in Leicester and Northamptonshire, noted in January 2021 that he held Palantir shares valued under £100 during his tenure as NHSX operations director. Leanne Summers, NHSE assistant director for data governance and former head of AI strategy, disclosed a personal relationship with a Palantir director who was formerly her NHSI line manager.
NHSE maintained that all individuals adhered to required guidelines, publicly declaring their interests and refraining from involvement in the contract procurement process with Palantir. A spokesperson stated these declarations complied with internal policies intended to prevent conflicts of interest.
Palantir responded that the disclosures reflect standard practice: their UK health advisory board, which last convened months before the FDP contract was awarded, provided guidance from healthcare professionals, and some NHS technology experts independently chose to invest in Palantir, a publicly traded company.
As concerns mount over transparency and governance, ministers face increasing pressure to reconsider the contract as it approaches its renewal date.