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Importing code into the NHS England Secure Data Environment

An introduction to importing code into the Secure Data Environment (SDE).

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This service enables researchers to import code files into the SDE, allowing them to reuse code from similar work rather than rewrite it.

How the service works 

  1. Submit a request through the SDE portal and upload the code files you want to import. We currently allow JSON, Markdown, Python, R and SQL files up to 1MB in size.
  2. We check the files for viruses, personally identifiable information and security risks.
  3. If the files pass all checks, you can download them in the SDE.

Further information 

To learn how to get access to the NHS England SDE, visit our process overview which explains how to get started with understanding what data is available and how to start an application.

Access the import code user guide for detailed information on how to import code into the SDE.

Last edited: 19 October 2026 12:53 pm