We are prioritising requests for data in respect of COVID-19 as urgent requirements. This means that other applications or enquiries may be delayed.
We are also prioritising applications for data agreements that are about to expire, or where organisational changes are taking place.
If you have any immediate concerns, please contact your case officer directly or email enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk referencing DARS in the subject field.
To support the response to the coronavirus outbreak, NHS Digital has been asked to establish a central collection of GP patient data for COVID-19 purposes for the duration of the coronavirus emergency period.
Applicants should visit DARS online for further advice and guidance.
Sign in to DARS online - existing customers can track and amend applications
DARS guidance - existing customers can find out more about how to make the most of DARS. You’ll find a range of resources including videos, webinars and guidance documents
Form E - Access Request Form for GPES Data for Pandemic Planning and Research (COVID-19) - this form is for access to GPES data for pandemic planning and research data held by NHS Digital
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 makes sure we only supply sensitive patient level data to organisations that look after it according to Information Governance (IG) requirements, and use it to improve health and care 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.
Before you begin the application process please contact us to discuss your requirements. Not all enquiries progress to the application stage - it may be that your requirement can be satisfied through existing published data.
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 file transfer or through the Data Access Environment (DAE).
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.
On the 7th February 2018 we sent a letter to our customers. It contains advice on data access and their responsibilities for data management with respect to General Data Protection Regulations. View and download the letter.
To discuss any aspect of DARS or an existing application call the DARS team on 0300 303 5678 or email enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk.
Existing customers can also call their assigned Case Officer.
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.
Anyone wishing to apply for data should be aware that from 25 May 2018 NHS Digital removes certain patient records from data it releases, where a patient has registered a national data opt-out.
A description of the data products we use to provide data extracts and other services.
Track your application via DARS online, book yourself onto a webinar and browse the application guidance catalogue.
We carry out independent audits to check that our customers are meeting their obligations towards data security.
Our data release registers are a record of all the data we have shared with other organisations.
Estimated DARS service charges for the year 2018/19 listed by service component. Actual costs will be confirmed at the end of the application process and formally agreed before work commences.
NHS Digital produces a variety of linked datasets as part of data processing. Many of these are available to users by request through the Data Access Request Service (DARS) Process.
Why and how we process your data in the Data Access Request Service (DARS) online system and your rights.
The NHS Digital DARS and IGARD process for assessing requests for access to GPES data for pandemic planning and research (COVID-19) including the role of the BMA and RCGP. Version 1.0, 14 May 2020.