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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 set up your organisation on the Organisation Data Service (ODS) and how to register user accounts to submit 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)
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

March 2025 Refresh (R)
April 2025 Primary (P)

Tuesday 15 April 2025 Thursday 15 May 2025

April 2025 Refresh (R)
May 2025 Primary (P)

Friday 16 May 2025 Friday 13 June 2025

May 2025 Refresh (R) 
June 2025 Primary (P)

Monday 16 June 2025 Monday 14 July 2025

June 2025 Refresh (R) 
July 2025 Primary (P)

Tuesday 15 July 2025 Thursday 14 August 2025
July 2025 Refresh (R)
August 2025 Primary (P)
Friday 15 August 2025 Monday 12 September 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 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: 18 December 2024 11:45 am