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Strategic Data Collection Service in the cloud (SDCS Cloud)

SDCS Cloud is the new way to submit data to NHS Digital
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SDCS Cloud

We are using moden data processing services to streamline and automate existing ways of collecting, processing and accessing data.  This gives us the power to process larger volumes of data, faster than ever before, whilst providing tools to manage incoming data and ensure it is accurate, useful and secure. 

SDCS Cloud provides

  • an internet facing service that does not require an N3 or HSCN connection, allowing more providers to submit data
  • a secure method of confirming user identity using two-factor authentication 
  • a modern solution using cloud technology that integrates with our improved data processing services.  

User support and guidance

Latest news

The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) and Community Services Data Set (CSDS) are moving from the legacy Bureau Service Portal (BSP) to NHS Digital’s Strategic Data Collection Service in the cloud (SDCS Cloud).

As with Mental Health and Maternity, the migration has been aligned with the move to the new data standard version for IAPT and CSDS.

More stories are available on the SDCS news page.

Service announcements and outages

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SDCS Cloud - service announcements and outages

Maintenance is planned on Strategic Data Collection Service (SDCS) Cloud at the following dates and times. The system may be unavailable during these times.

User guidance

Download the SDCS Cloud user guidance

pdf 2 MB

Download the password policy guidance

pdf 171 KB

Download the SDCS Cloud data quality guidance

pdf 502 KB

Data collections

Data sets currently submitting using SDCS Cloud

Data set specific guidance for these collections and information on submission windows.  

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Mental Health Services Data Set

The Mental Health Services Data Set (MHSDS) collects data from the health records of individual children, young people and adults who are in contact with mental health services.
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Maternity Services Data Set

The Maternity Services Data Set (MSDS) is a patient level data set that collects information on each stage of care for women as they go through pregnancy. As a secondary uses data set it re-uses clinical and operational data for purposes other than direct patient care.
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Community Services Data Set

The data set allows community service providers and commissioners to view local and national information from community services, to improve patient care.

Data sets scheduled to move to SDCS Cloud

Data set specific guidance for these collections and information on submission windows. 

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Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Data Set

Collecting information about people in contact with adult psychological therapy services in England.

Release History

Read more about the SDCS Cloud release history.

Contact details

Please report any service issues or queries to the National Service Desk. Telephone: 0300 303 5035 or email: ssd.nationalservicedesk@nhs.net.

Further information

internal Data User Certificate (DUC) forms

Learn more about how to complete the Data User Certificate (DUC) form and how to register a SIRO or IAO to submit data through the Strategic Data Collection Service (SDCS). The SDCS in the cloud is the new way to submit mental health and maternity services data to NHS Digital.

Last edited: 8 February 2021 3:03 pm