Guidance

Accessing UKHSA protected data

How to apply for access to protected data from UKHSA.

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 14 March 2022
• Last updated: 28 September 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 28 September 2026

     'UKHSA is currently reviewing the Data Access Application Form and Approval Standards. Revised versions are expected to be introduced shortly, with transition arrangements in place to support applicants. Further information will be published when the updated documents become available.' message added.

  2. 4 August 2025

     Updated link to the data access register.

  3. 2 August 2024

     Updated 'Accessing UKHSA protected data' to link to new Data access approvals register.

  4. 15 September 2023

     Updated diagrams in 'Approval standards and guidelines: data flow diagram' and 'Approval standards and guidelines: upholding objections under the national data opt-out'.

  5. 28 July 2023

     Updated 'Approval standards and guidelines: data specification'.

  6. 21 February 2023

     Updated 'Approval standards and guidelines: lay summary'.

  7. 27 January 2023

     Added 'Approval standards and guidelines: onward sharing and sub-licensing'.

  8. 10 January 2023

     Added 'Approval standards and guidelines: ethical assessment'.

  9. 18 November 2022

     Updated 'Approval standards and guidelines: confidential patient information'.

  10. 31 October 2022

      Updated approval standards table.

  11. 10 October 2022

      Added Upholding objections under the national data opt-out, Processing location, Confidential patient information, and Lay summary.

  12. 9 August 2022

      Added 'Data access approvals register' information to 'Accessing UKHSA protected data'.

  13. 29 July 2022

      Added Approval standards.

  14. 20 July 2022

      Added Approval standard: lawful processing (UK GDPR).

  15. 13 July 2022

      Added link to ICO register.

  16. 6 July 2022

      Added 'data security' and 'data protection registration'.

  17. 21 June 2022

      Added Approval standards and guidelines: data flow diagram.

  18. 27 May 2022

      Added Approval standards and guidelines: engaging a data processor.

  19. 18 May 2022

      Added documents 'data specification', 'privacy notice' and 'scientific protocol'.

  20. 14 March 2022

      First published.

Documents

Approval standards

HTML

Accessing UKHSA protected data

HTML

UKHSA data application form: primary applicant

Ref: UKHSA gateway number: GOV-11498

PDF, 1.57 MB, 22 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email publications@ukhsa.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

UKHSA data application form appendix 1: co-applicants

Ref: UKHSA gateway number: GOV-11498

PDF, 1.27 MB, 4 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email publications@ukhsa.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

UKHSA data application form appendix 2: data processor

Ref: Ref: UKHSA gateway number: GOV-11498

PDF, 1.25 MB, 4 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email publications@ukhsa.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

UKHSA amendment form

MS Word Document, 126 KB

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email publications@ukhsa.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Approval standards and guidelines: confidential patient information

HTML

Approval standards and guidelines: data flow diagram

HTML

Approval standards and guidelines: data protection registration

HTML

Approval standards and guidelines: data security

HTML

Approval standards and guidelines: data specification

HTML

Approval standards and guidelines: engaging a data processor

HTML

Approval standards and guidelines: lawful processing (UK GDPR)

HTML

Approval standards and guidelines: lay summary

HTML

Approval standards and guidelines: privacy notice

HTML

Approval standards and guidelines: processing location

HTML

Approval standards and guidelines: scientific protocol

HTML

Approval standards and guidelines: upholding objections under the national data opt-out

HTML

Approval standards and guidelines: ethical assessment

HTML

Approval standards and guidelines: onward sharing and sub-licensing

HTML

Details

UKHSA is currently reviewing the Data Access Application Form and Approval Standards. Revised versions are expected to be introduced shortly, with transition arrangements in place to support applicants. Further information will be published when the updated documents become available.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) generates, curates and integrates high-quality data on infectious diseases and other external public health threats.

This is done to prepare for, prevent and respond to threats to health, as well as to deliver world-class research with partners in our research networks.

The information provided here can be used to access UKHSA protected data.