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Submitting CSDS data to the Strategic Data Collection Service (SDCS) cloud

The Strategic Data Collection Service (SDCS) Cloud is the submission tool for the Community Services Data Set (CSDS).

How to register to submit CSDS data

Providers must submit CSDS data via the Strategic Data Collection Service in the Cloud (SDCS Cloud) using a registered account.

Learn more about the Strategic Data Collection Service (SDCS) including how to register for a user account and guidance on submitting data


CSDS v1.6 submission dates

Data submissions for Community Services are based upon fixed monthly reporting periods. Each reporting period allows for an initial Primary (P) submission and a final Refresh (R) submission.

NHS England will use the 'last good' file that has passed validation by the submission deadline for national reporting purposes.

Reporting period Submission window open Submission window closes 11:59:59 pm (10th working day after)
November 2023 Refresh (R)
December 2023 Primary (P)
Friday 15 December 2023 Monday 15 January 2024
December 2023 Refresh (R)
January 2024 Primary (P)
Tuesday 16 January 2024 Wednesday 14 February 2024
January 2024 Refresh (R)
February 2024 Primary (P)
Thursday 15 February 2024 Thursday 14 March 2024

February 2024 Refresh (R)

March 2024 Primary (P)
Friday 15 March 2024 Monday 15 April 2024
March 2024 Refresh (R)
April 2024 Primary (P)
Tuesday 16 April 2024 Wednesday 15 May 2024

April 2024 Refresh (R)
May 2024 Primary (P)

Thursday 16 May 2024 Friday 14 June 2024
May 2024 Refresh (R)
June 2024 Primary (P)
Monday 17 June 2024 Friday 12 July 2024
June 2024 Refresh (R)
July 2024 Primary (P)
Monday 15 July 2024 Wednesday 14 August 2024
July 2024 Refresh (R)
August 2024 Primary (P)
Thursday 15 August 2024 Friday 13 September 2024
August 2024 Refresh (R)
September 2024 Primary (P)
Monday 16 September 2024 Monday 14 October 2024
September 2024 Refresh (R)
October 2024 Primary (P)
Tuesday 15 October 2024 Thursday 14 November 2024
October 2024 Refresh (R)
November 2024 Primary (P)
Friday 15 November 2024 Friday 13 December 2024
November 2024 Refresh (R)
December 2024 Primary (P)
Monday 16 December 2024 Wednesday 15 January 2025
December 2024 Refresh (R)
January 2025 Primary (P)
Thursday 16 January 2025 Friday 14 February 2025
January 2025 Refresh (R)
February 2025 Primary (P)
Monday 17 February 2025 Friday 14 March 2025
February 2025 Refresh (R)
March 2025 Primary (P)
Monday 17 March 2025 Monday 14 April 2025

What data to submit

The CSDS requirements are set out in the CSDS v1.6 (DCB1069) information standard. The standard defines the data items, definitions and associated value sets to be extracted or derived from local information systems.

During the submission window, providers can make as many submissions as are needed. Any files submitted to and accepted by the SDCS Cloud overwrite previously submitted files. It is therefore imperative that providers thoroughly check their data submission as there are no opportunities to re-submit data for a reporting period once this portal has closed.

You may also find it useful to read the SDCS Cloud data quality guide.

Once the window closes the 'last good file' present will be made available for national analysis and reporting.

Read how to implement CSDS v1.6 and access tools and guidance.


How to submit CSDS data

CSDS v1.6.6 XML Schema and optional Intermediate Database (IDB)

The CSDS is submitted to NHS Digital using an XML file that is compliant with the CSDS v1.6.6 XML Schema. The XML schema has been developed along with an CSDS Intermediate Database (IDB) tool that can be used as an alternative to the XML schema to enable providers to load or copy their data into the provided table structure for submission to the CSDS. To access the CSDS v1.6 XML Schema or IDB you will need to register and create an account through the link on the TRUD homepage.

Community Services Data Set XML Schema Version 1.6.6

The Community Services Data Set XML Schema Version 1.6.6 is available on the TRUD website from the NHS Data Model and Dictionary XML Schemas categories on the left of the page.

Intermediate Database (IDB)

The Community Services Data Set (CSDS) intermediate database tool for CSDS v1.6 is now available on the TRUD website and can be downloaded by clicking on the Data Set Development Services tools link on the left of the page. 

The intermediate database for CSDS v1.6 is a Microsoft Access database and must be provided in this format.


Submitting CSDS data for the first time

You will need to register to use the submission portal and supply a data user certificate (DUC) form.

Learn more about how to register and authenticate an account for the SDCS Cloud


Submitting CSDS data resources

Detailed information on the process for registration, submitting data, and links to further resources including videos and screenshots.

 

Other tasks

Contact the NHS Digital Enquiries team on 0300 303 5678 or email us at: [email protected] to raise a general CSDS enquiry. 

Learn more about how we look after your health and care information.

Last edited: 19 February 2024 1:58 pm