Output your results from the NHS England Secure Data Environment (SDE)

An introduction to the Safe Output service offered by the NHS England Secure Data Environment (SDE).

This service lets researchers request approval to take analysis or code out of the Secure Data Environment (SDE). You must submit all outputs for checking before you can download or share them.

How the service works

Prepare your analysis or code file in the virtual desktop environment (VDI) in alignment with our disclosure control rules and guidance.

Submit your request using the Outputs and Imports tool in the VDI.

The checking team will then review your request. We aim to complete checks within 3 working days, but some requests may be completed sooner.

You will get an email to tell you if your request has been approved or rejected. If approved, the email will include a link to download the file. If rejected, the email will explain why and what to do next.

Further information

To find out how to access the NHS England SDE, read the process overview. It explains what data is available and how to start an application.

For detailed instructions on preparing your file and submitting and tracking a request, read the user guidance page.

Last edited: 8 July 2026 10:42 am