Data Access Request Service

Help us to improve DARS online

NHS England is currently conducting user research to improve the experience for applicants requesting access to data. 

To register your interest, please complete our short questionnaire.

May 2023 

"Due to the annual publication process and continued high volume of requests, the Secondary Care Open Data and Publications team will not have capacity to progress DARS tabulation requests for HES or ECDS data between June – September 2023.

This includes data production, specification development and amendments to existing agreements. Approved requests have been prioritised and delivery agreed with the DARS team – if you have any questions or concerns, please email the data applications team data.applications@nhsdigital.nhs.uk."

February 2023

NHS Digital merger with NHS England

On 1 February 2023, NHS Digital merged with NHS England. NHS England have assumed responsibility for all activities previously undertaken by NHS Digital. The merger was completed by a statute change.

If you have any concerns or queries, please email data.applications@nhsdigital.nhs.uk. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. 

November 2022

Location list no longer required.

The Data Access Request Service (DARS) will no longer require Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs) to list processing and storage locations. 

This decision is part of our review of current standards, designed to drive efficiencies in the service while continuing to provide strong assurance and contractual controls when using NHS Data.  

Please note, all applicants that use NHS Digital data will still be required to sign a Data Sharing Framework Contract (DSFC), which includes legally binding terms and conditions that apply to where data can be processed. The NHS Digital DARS standard Territory of Use ensures that each DSA has contractual controls that data can only be processes within that Territory.  Data Controller and Data Processor contact details and main addresses will continue to be listed in the DSA, with appropriate due diligence checks made during the approval process.  A change in territory of use will require an amendment to the DSA. 

October 2022

Charges for National Disease Registration Service (NDRS) Data

Applications for National Disease Registration Service (NDRS) data can now be made through NHS Digital’s Data Access Request Service (DARS). While completing an application for data, you’ll notice ‘Total Cost’ at the top of the page. The ‘Total Cost’ is an estimated charge for processing and disseminating the data you request. As NHS Digital is currently developing a pricing structure for NDRS data requests, the cost shown will be incorrect.

How can I get the correct cost associated with my data request?

Once you have submitted your application for data, a Case Officer from the DARS team at NHS Digital will contact you. They will be able to provide you with more details on the cost associated with your data request.

If you are making a resubmission for data already received or an amendment to a current Data Sharing Agreement (DSA), costs may have changed. In this instance, submit the data request to a DARS Case Officer who will be able to confirm associated costs.