GovWire

Changes are being made to the eForms service to enable all data over 7 years old to be archived.

Why is this happening?

This is an essential measure to ensure the stability of the eForms database.

There is currently no archiving process in place, meaning the database now contains millions of records. If the database continues to grow, performance issues that providers are experiencing will continue to increase.

What does this mean for providers?

Providers will not be able to access submitted eForms that are 7 years or older, via the eForms service, after 1 February 2024.

We recommend that providers retrieve any data that they require of this age from eForms, before archiving takes place.

If providers do require access to archived eForms, they can request a retrieval by contacting our Online Support Team.

How do providers make a request?

To request a retrieval, complete the following steps:

1. Email online-support@justice.gov.uk and state you wish to retrieve a form from the eForms archive, as you require access to a form submitted over 7 years ago.

2. Please provide Online Support with the following key information, without this information the team may be unable to fulfil your request:

a. Your details (including your firm name and email address)

b. eForm Type (for example CRM4, CRM5, CRM7, CRM14, CRM15)

c. USN

d. MAAT ID (if relevant and known)

e. Name of who initially submitted the form (if known)

f. Date the form was initially submitted (if known)

3. Online Support will send you a confirmation note that your request has been received and placed within the relevant database for processing.

Processing and retrieval by our service provider happens on a regular basis but is not immediate. We anticipate requests will be fulfilled within 7 working days.

4. Online Support will share with you on the email address you stated in your initial request the form once it has been retrieved from the archive, with any accompanying guidance notes should they be necessary.

What will retrieved archived data look like?

Any data retrieved from archive will not be in the normal format and will require significant interpretation to make sense of it.

Will there be any interruption to service?

Archiving is due to take place on 1 February 2024 between 17:15 and midnight. eForms will not be available for use by pr

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