Using ONS data: Including data fields from the Office of National Statistics (ONS)

Approval to include ONS data in your requested extract or table must be granted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

There are two gateways under which approval can be granted:

1. Approval by the Office for National Statistics under the NHS Act 2006 and data released under the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 section 42(4), for the purposes of assisting the Secretary of State for Health or the Welsh ministers, in the performance of his, or their functions in relation to the Health Service.

This legal gateway covers studies which are funded by an NHS body or Department of Health. A commissioning letter is required for applications under this criteria providing evidence that the relevant study or project is funded by an NHS body or DH.

2. Approval through the ONS Microdata Release Procedure

For applications which do not meet the criteria in (1) it is necessary for all users to first seek accreditation as an Approved Researcher from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Applications under both gateways are submitted for approval to the Office for National Statistics by the NHS Information Centre. See below for details of how to apply.

Application processes

Studies funded by DH or an NHS body

Applicants should complete the 'Applicant details form' and 'HES Application form: Appendices A1-A3'. In addition, a commissioning letter to support your application is required by the Office for National Statistics. The letter should provide confirmation of the funding body for the project or research for which the ONS data is required.

Please note: Appendix A3 must be completed and signed by all users accessing the data.

Please note: The completed, signed application form and commissioning letter along with the applicant details form must be submitted to: [email protected].

The NHS Information Centre will submit your application for approval to the Office for National Statistics. The NHS Information Centre will confirm to you when approval has been granted and that your application for HES/ONS linked data can be processed.

Studies not funded by DH or an NHS body

Applications for studies not funded by DH or an NHS body require approval through the ONS Microdata Release Procedure. Details are given below on the application forms which must be completed:

• Please complete the application form 'How to become an Approved Researcher', which is available on the ONS website. This form must be completed by all users wishing to access the data.
• Please complete 'Appendix D: ONS MRP Customer Request Form' and the applicant details form.

Please note: The completed and signed approved researcher form, appendix D form and applicant details form must be submitted to: [email protected].

The NHS Information Centre will submit your application for approval to the Office for National Statistics. The NHS Information Centre will confirm to you when approval has been granted and that your application for HES/ONS linked data can be processed.