What is an ODS code?
An ODS code (also called an Organisation code) is a unique code created by the Organisation Data Service within NHS Digital, and used to identify organisations across health and social care. ODS codes are required in order to gain access to national systems like NHSmail and the Data Security and Protection Toolkit.
Finding your ODS Code
If you do not know your organisation’s ODS code, you can look it up from the ODS Data Search and Export portal. Type in your organisation’s postcode.
If there are a number of codes and you are not sure which one is the right one, please read further guidance below, or contact us and we can help: 0808 196 4848 (Mon-Fri 9-5) or [email protected].
If you do not have a valid organisation code or cannot find your organisation on the ODS Data Search and Export portal, please follow the instructions on how to ‘update organisation data’ on the ODS website
All Care Home and Domiciliary Care providers will have at least 2 codes..
- An HQ code or “parent” code. This is 4 digits and normally starts with an A or C, e.g. A*** or C***.
- One or more site or “child” codes. This is 5 digits and normally starts with V, e.g. V****. Each site code belongs to a single HQ code
If you are completing your DSPT for a single site, we recommend registering using your V***** code
If you are completing your DSPT for your HQ/Head office, and potentially intend for this assessment to apply to multiple sites, we recommend registering using your A**** or C**** code.
Other types of ODS code (8*****)
Some organisations, particularly those that provide a wide range of services may also have additional ODS codes such as those for non-NHS organisations, which may take the format: 8**** etc. For the purposes of access to NHSmail and the Social Care support offer – you should instead use your A***, C**** or V**** codes (as above).
What happens if there is an issue with your code?
ODS uses CQC data to create organisation codes. If a code has been allocated but there is an issue with the data held by ODS, this means that CQC also have incorrect data. Your code and associated information, such as name and address, can only be changed by CQC. If you contact CQC and change your data, this will then flow to ODS and be published as part of the social care files used across the NHS.
If you want to create or update an ODS code, you need to request support via the NHS National IT Customer Support Portal which is part of the NHS’s Organisation Data Service. You will need an online customer support account to access this service. Details on how to login or create a support account are available on the ODS webpage.
If you are a non-CQC registered service, you need to create a customer support account, and request an ODS code via the Customer Support Portal.
More information
The following pages include more detail on ODS codes for organisations looking to complete The Data Security and Protection Toolkit.
