Approval standards
Updated 15 September 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/accessing-ukhsa-protected-data/approval-standards
The approval standards are the criteria UKHSA uses to assess applications to access ‘Protected’ data. They set out the minimum requirements for a data application and enable the UKHSA to make decisions that are consistent and objective.
Each standard has accompanying guidelines. The guidelines describe the general rules and principles around each standard and provide guidance that will help you properly address the requirements for a successful application. Where possible, we have also included examples in the guidelines.
| Title/name of approval standard | Approval standard | Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| How to complete the UKHSA data application form | Not applicable | Coming soon |
| Scientific protocol | V1.0 published 18/05/2022 | V1.0 published 18/05/2022 |
| Data specification | V1.1 published 28/07/2023 | V1.1 published 28/07/2023 |
| Lawful processing – UK GDPR | V1.0 published 20/07/2022 | V1.0 published 20/07/2022 |
| Lawful processing – confidential patient information | V1.0 published 10/10/2022 | V1.0 published 10/10/2022 |
| Privacy notice | V1.0 published 18/05/2022 | V1.0 published 18/05/2022 |
| Engaging a data processor | V1.0 published 27/05/2022 | V1.0 published 27/05/2022 |
| Data flow diagram | V1.0 published 21/06/2022 | V1.0 published 21/06/2022 |
| Data security | V1.0 published 06/07/2022 | V1.0 published 06/07/2022 |
| Processing location | V1.0 published 10/10/2022 | V1.0 published 10/10/2022 |
| Data protection registration | V1.0 published 06/07/2022 | V1.0 published 06/07/2022 |
| Upholding objections under the national data opt-out | V1.0 published 10/10/2022 | V1.0 published 10/10/2022 |
| Lay summary | V1.0 published 10/10/2022 | V1.0 published 10/10/2022 |
| Onward sharing and sub-licensing | V1.0 published 27/01/2023 | V1.0 published 27/01/2023 |
| Ethical assessment | V1.0 published 10/01/2023 | V1.0 published 10/01/2023 |
Support with your application
Contact DataAccess@ukhsa.gov.uk for assistance with your application or if you have any queries about the application process or the approval standards.
Providing feedback
UKHSA welcomes your feedback on the content of the approval standards and guidelines. To share your feedback with us, contact DataAccess@ukhsa.gov.uk