We are simplifying and enhancing the security of data collection to support better care across the NHS. Every day, health and care providers submit vital data to NHS England that helps shape NHS policy, track performance, plan services, and improve patient outcomes.

What is the National Data Integration Tenant?

National Data Integration Tenant (NDIT) is NHS England’s secure platform for collecting and managing national health and care data. It streamlines how vital data flows from health and care providers into national systems, replacing multiple legacy systems with one unified, secure solution.

This work maintains existing national data collections but makes the process more secure, consistent and less burdensome for busy NHS teams.

This streamlined approach ensures that the right data is available at the right time – in a secure environment, enabling faster decisions, safer care, and better support for patients and communities across England.

What happens to the data in NDIT?

Data collected through NDIT follows two main pathways:

1. For NHS analytics and planning:

Data is pseudonymised using Privacy Enhancing Technologies and then routed to the National NHS Federated Data Platform where it is used for analysis, insights and decision-making.

2. For research purposes:

Data flows to the National Secure Data Environment for approved research projects.

For research purposes the data could be provided in pseudonymised or identifiable form depending on research requirements and governance approvals.

Both pathways maintain strict security and governance standards, with NHS England remaining the data controller throughout the process.

How does NDIT improve data management?

For organisations with local NHS Federated Data Platform instances:

• Automated data submission will reduce manual uploads and administrative burden

For organisations without local NHS Federated Data Platform instances:

• We are developing a National Data Submission Portal which will act as a single, secure entry point for NHS trusts, ICBs, community providers, and others who submit data for national reporting or analysis
• The portal will allow multiple submission methods: APIs, file transfers (MESH), uploads, or web forms

Enhanced security throughout:

• Regardless of the entry route, data enters the same secure environment and is handled according to national standards for privacy, quality, and governance
• Access is strictly controlled and monitored. Only a limited number of NHS personnel have access to NDIT prior to the data being pseudonymised.
• This layered approach significantly enhances the security and protection of identifiable data
• NHS England remains the data controller, in line with all legal and governance standards

The benefits

NDIT enables faster decisions, safer care and better support for patients and communities by ensuring the right data is available at the right time in the secure environment. Over time, it will become the single platform for all national data collections, reducing complexity across the NHS.

For data providers:

• Flexible submission options tailored to different systems.
• Reduced data preparation burden, saving time and effort.
• Fast, clear feedback on data quality.
• Simpler user experience across all technical skill levels.

For the wider NHS:

• Enhanced data security through a central, controlled platform.

• Faster, more consistent data collection setup.
• Increased self-service capabilities for teams.
• Higher data quality through standardised rules.
• Improved traceability and transparency of data.
• Modernised infrastructure, replacing outdated systems and cutting maintenance overhead.

Timelines

As we continue our efforts to transform and rationalise our data collections, migration will continue in phases, gradually replacing existing data submission systems.

From autumn 2025, national collections such as the Patient-Level Information and Costing System (PLICS) and Costing 360 (C360) will begin migrating to NDIT.

We are currently building a National Data Submission Portal and anticipate that it will be live by April 2026 for the first national collections.

Over time, NDIT will become the single national data collection and management platform, helping to streamline the process for all data providers and reduce reliance on legacy platforms.

A full roadmap for data submission rationalisation and migration is in development and will be shared in due course.

For more information, please contact: england.nditprogramme@nhs.net