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Data Access Request Service (DARS)

The Data Access Request Service (DARS) can offer clinicians, researchers and commissioners the data required to help improve NHS services.

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Organisations and individuals wanting to use certain kinds of data need to show they meet strict data governance standards by completing our DARS application process. 

The DARS team only share special categories of personal data to organisations that have the appropriate legal basis according to data protection laws and that such data sharing will be of benefit to health and social care.

NHS Digital can provide access to a wide range of products and services

View the range of data products and services available through DARS.

We make charges to cover the costs of managing your application, processing data and providing access. View our latest charging guidelines.

How to access our data

Not all enquiries progress to the application stage - it may be that your requirement can be satisfied through existing published data.

If you need any help or guidance with the DARS process, contact us.

When you're ready to proceed with an application you'll need to follow the DARS application process.

Once your DARS application has been approved, data will be made available either by secure electronic file transfer or through the Data Access Environment (DAE).

How NHS Digital protects data

Our decisions and actions are bound by law and policies. We will check that there is an appropriate legal basis for us to receive, process and pass data to you. We will also check that you have safeguards in place so that you store and handle the data safely and securely.

We carry out data sharing audits to check that you meet the obligations in your data sharing contract and Data Sharing Agreement.

Learn more about how NHS Digital protects your information.

Contact us

To discuss any aspect of DARS or an existing application call the team on 0300 303 5678 or email enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk.

Existing customers can also contact their assigned case officer.

Further information

internal Data Access Request Service (DARS): process

A summary of the stages you'll need to navigate in your application for data. The DARS process consists of the following stages: Enquiry, Application, Approval, Access, Audit and Deletion of data.

internal Data Sharing Audits

We carry out independent audits to check that our customers are meeting their obligations towards data security.

internal NHS Digital Data Uses Register

NHS Digital’s Data Uses Register is published every month and provides information on our Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs).

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Data Sharing Agreement (example only)

pdf 550 KB

Data Sharing Framework contract (example only)

pdf 494 KB

Last edited: 25 October 2021 8:33 am