Data Access Request Service (DARS)
DARS coronavirus (COVID-19) response
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.
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
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 and browse the application guidance catalogue.
We carry out independent audits to check that our customers are meeting their obligations towards data security.
NHS Digital’s Data Uses Register is published every month and provides information on our Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs).
Find out about estimated DARS service charges 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.
This document details the process agreed upon between NHS Digital, IGARD, BMA and RCGP to provide extra safeguards for GPES COVID-19 data releases.
Research Advisory Group terms of reference 2020 -2021.
Last edited: 10 June 2021 12:53 pm