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Accessing the Secure Research Service (SRS) through Safepod Network

Alex Lock

ADR Data Sourcing and Curation Manager

Office for National Statistics

Alex.Lock@ons.gov.uk

29 September 2022

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ONS Secure Research Service (SRS)

We give accredited or approved researchers secure access to a wealth of de-identified, unpublished data to work on research projects for the public good.

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For safe use of secure data, the Secure Research Service (SRS) uses the Five Safes Framework:

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    • Safe People: trained and accredited researchers trusted to use data appropriately
    • Safe Projects: data that are only used for valuable, ethical research that delivers clear public benefits
    • Safe Settings: settings in which access to data is only possible using our secure technology systems
    • Safe Data: data that have been de-identified
    • Safe Outputs: all research outputs that are checked to ensure they cannot identify data subjects

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Accessing the SRS

  • Researchers must register on the Research Accreditation Service (RAS) and become accredited under the Digital Economy Act 2017 (DEA) – LINK

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  • To be a full accredited researcher, individuals must have an undergraduate degree (or higher), including a significant proportion of maths or statistics. Otherwise, they must be able to demonstrate at least three years quantitative research experience.
  • And
    • Undertake training
    • Agree to be included on the public record
    • Sign a declaration

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Accessing Data in the SRS

  • Submit a project application through RAS
  • Data Owner Approvals
  • Research Accreditation Panel (RAP)
  • Data Catalogue:

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Contacts

    • Becoming an Accredited Research:

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    • Data linkage enquiries or using data not currently in the SRS:
        • adrcuration@ons.gov.uk

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