Attribute Data File (File 2) Checklist

Last modified: 28 Sep 2026

File 2s contain a STUDY_ID and de-identified LPS-collected data.

You should submit attribute data (a File 2) and accompanying documentation each time new or updated datasets are deposited into the UK LLC TRE.

New partner LPS should send a File 2 within two months of receiving their upload link from the SeRP Help Desk.

We ask that LPS provide File 2s containing logical datasets which can be shared with researchers as full datasets rather than having to be minimised further. For example:
• A questionnaire collected at one timepoint
• A file of core SES/demographic indicators and timepoints
• Data collection assessments during a home visit
• Assayed biosamples from COVID-19 serology tests
• Chapters from questionnaires, or themed data pulled from across chapters of questionnaires.

Datasets are created at the LPS’ discretion but should be as meaningful as possible to a research user. If in doubt, please get in touch to discuss this: support@ukllc.ac.uk.

When preparing a File 2, please work carefully through the list below.

File 2 requirements

Participant data

01	Include STUDY_ID in each File 2 (the same for each individual as used in File 1)
02	Include a participant-level date of data collection (a ‘timestamp’ variable). This should be set for the dataset if all data were collected at the same time, or per variable if the data come from multiple timepoints. Where practical and relevant, the timestamp could include minutes and seconds.
03	Ensure the file does not contain direct identifiers such as name or postcode. Some indirect identifiers and pseudo-identifiers can be included, because they have strong research utility (e.g. gender, ethnicity, age). LPS should ensure that these are processed to their local disclosure control standards.
04	Structure the data in logical datasets relating to data collection assessments. These should be based on a collection phase (e.g. a visit or questionnaire) and should not need further sub-division.
05	Ensure none of the datasets exceed 1,024 variables. (Files with more than 1,024 variables cannot be processed.)
06	DO NOT include any free text variables. Note: processed or derived outputs from these variables are acceptable.
07	DO NOT include any geographical units (e.g. LSOAs, postcodes, partial postcodes, encrypted geo markers, IMD) or any strong proxies for location e.g. ‘assessment centre name’ where this contains location information smaller than UK region or devolved nation.

Specification and transfer of File 2s and documentation

08	Either prepare the File 2 in STATA/SPSS with full labelling Or use the .csv specification, providing both attribute data and metadata (see File 2 specification for further details).
09	Adhere exactly to the File 2 specification detailed on the next page.
10	Name the file as detailed in the File 2 naming conventions using the agreed UK LLC study code.
11	If splitting one attribute file into several parts, ensure all files names contain the same date and that the separate ‘batches’ are numbered consecutively.
12	Log into the MMS to input the File 2 metadata.
13	Send the File 2 to Swansea University via the secure file upload portal. See ‘File Transfer to UK LLC’ (below) for upload instructions.

NEVER attempt to upload File 2s to the UK LLC MMS.

File 2 Transfer to UK LLC

UK LLC will ensure an LPS-specific link is sent from Swansea University to each LPS Data Manager, which will provide a one-way file drop to Swansea. This service uses Owncloud, a Swansea-hosted client-server software, which allows direct upload of files for the Swansea team to process and load into the UK LLC TRE.

If this is not feasible for your LPS, please contact the UK LLC Data Team via support@ukllc.ac.uk to discuss alternative arrangements.