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Audit Commission > National Fraud Initiative > Private sector > Data requirements – Private Sector > Data download

Data download

The following checks will minimise the risk of the data having to be re-submitted, which typically can cause a delay of more than a week and results in unnecessary increases in download costs for participating bodies. Ultimately, poor-quality data will produce poor-quality matches therefore, it is essential that the NFI key contact ensures that:

  • a user responsible for submission of the data is nominated (in other words, whoever extracts the data). This should be the person with the most knowledge of the system in question;
  • the data is extracted and submitted by the required deadlines (refer to the current timetable);
  • the data is readable and complete. If missing data is available from a second, third, etc system it should be brought across to complete the data submission;
  • the record layout is consistent with the data specification;
  • a ’look up’ table is provided that describes the codes used in fields, whether system or manually generated;
  • in case the data supplied proves unreadable, copies of any intermediate files should be retained so that the data may be re-supplied; and
  • data is only submitted using the Data File Upload (DFU) facility within the NFI secure web site. This is now the only acceptable method to supply data. If another submission method is used our policy will be to inform the Director of Finance/Senior Responsible Officer that data has been put at risk unnecessarily.

If you require any further guidance on extracting, downloading or submitting data contact the NFI Data Centre (Synectics Solutions Ltd) via email (helpdesk@nfi.gov.uk) or call 0845 345 8019.