Data registers are live lists of data, each managed by a custodian across a range of organisations. They represent the approved version of that data. They can also commonly be known as 'lookup' tables and used to categorise data in databases. Examples include organisation codes, postcodes and diagnosis codes. The objective is to ensure consistent definitions of data over time and between data repositories, organisations or processes. A data register stores data elements that include both semantics and representations.

See what data registers are available on our data registers tool.

New registers will be added regularly, as well as additional functionality; find more detail on our Upcoming registers page.

The Data Registers Service will:

• continue to develop and assure new data registers according to user needs, working with trusted data custodians to obtain high quality data
• manage all data registers so users always have access to the most up to date data
• use our Latest news page to share with users any news or issues relating to data registers
• provide a comprehensive register of metadata

Data is available via a Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface (REST API) in a variety of formats including CSV and JSON - further formats are planned. Read more on the API endpoints. 

1. Patient confidential data.
2. Transactional data - the source data which is supplied from external parties to NHS Digital for use in systems. For example, workforce returns and CDS submissions.
3. Management reference data for corporate systems such as human resources.

We are developing our new data registers request service, which means users can request for new registers to be considered for inclusion. If you would like to request that a new register be included in the Data Registers Service, please contact us providing details of the name of the new register and from where, and how, the data can be sourced.