Data access can be complex, so here is an overview of the main data access panels that cover Scotland. On this page you will also find an outline of processes, how to become an accredited researcher and the data catalogues available.
Data Access Panels
Data access panels are regulatory and advisory committees responsible for reviewing, approving, or denying requests to access sensitive, restricted, or non-public datasets. They act as ‘gatekeepers’ ensuring that sharing this data with external accredited researchers is legal, ethical, and strictly serves the public good. Their main goals include:
- Protecting Privacy: ensuring personal or sensitive information is fully de-identified or pseudo-anonymized unless partipants have given consent for identification.
- Ensuring Public Value: guaranteeing that the research actually benefits society
- Providing a consistent and transparent process for scrutinising the use of public sector data for research and staticial purposes.
- Maintaining compliance: upholding national data legislation, security requirements and ethical standards
For national datasets covering Scotland, there are a number of relevant panels to highlight.
Applying for Scottish Government and National Record of Scotland datasets only
Researchers seeking data solely from the Scottish Government and the National Records of Scotland will need to apply to the SG & NRS Data Access Panel. Information about the panel, it's members, the process and application form can be found on the Scottish Government website. We recommend that researchers speak to the relevant governmental Analytical Unit ahead of making an application.
To apply and use this data within the Scottish National Safe Haven, please contact eDRIS who provide an application support service. To access eDRIS support, researchers will need to complete an enquiry form via Research Data Scotland’s (RDS) website.
Applying for NHS Scotland datasets only
Studies requiring access to data held by NHS Scotland/ Public Health Scotland, should apply to the NHS Scotland Public Benefit and Privacy Panel for Health and Social Care (HSC-PBPP). We would recommend contacting eDRIS, who will advise what is required and can help complete the application form. To access eDRIS support, researchers will need to complete an enquiry form via RDS’s website.
Nine of Public Health Scotland’s most frequently used health datasets are available through a separate panel run by RDS called the Researcher Access Service (RAS) Approval Panel. Any researchers interested in using these datasets can use the same standard enquiry form via the RDS’s website and will be advised accordingly.
Applying for both health and non-health datasets
For projects seeking to link both health and SG/NRS administrative data, you will need to submit applications to both the SG & NRS Data Access Panel and the HSC-PBPP. Researchers should use the eDRIS support service and complete an enquiry form via the RDS website.
Other Scottish Data Controllers
There are a wide range of other governmental and public body data controllers in Scotland. Many of our ADR Scotland research projects utilise data from these sources, for example Police Scotland. We would recommend researchers approach these bodies directly to find out their organisational data access process.
Applying for UK level datasets with Scotland coverage
There are a large number of UK level datasets that cover Scotland, such as the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) Dataset, ASHE and NEED. The ADR UK data catalogue showcases the full breadth of data available and provides details on the required data access panel application route. A number of UK wide datasets go through:
- ONS Research Accreditation Service
For the likes of the LEO dataset, researchers will need to go through the ONS Secure Research Service, via the ONS Research Accreditation Service. Full information on how to apply and the approval process is on the ONS website.
- UK Statistics Authority Research Accreditation Panel
Of note, researchers may also be directed in the metadata catalogue to seek approval from the UK Statistics Authority – Research Accreditation Panel under the Digital Economy Act 2017. Details on this panel and how to make an application is available on the UK Statistics Authority website.
Before you can access data, you must become an accredited researcher
Whichever route you select, researchers wishing to access data in Scotland's National Safe Haven must complete Safe Researcher Training (SRT) as part of the accreditation process. The SRT course is also part of the process to gain Scottish Longitudinal Study Approved Researcher Status.
You can access the course via:
- The Office for National Statistics (ONS), as part of the process to become an accredited researcher
- The UK Data Service.
Six steps to access data
Check out this helpful blog from eCRUSADERs which has some top tips regarding panel applications.
Researchers seeking to gain approval for their research project and access to the required data should also consider this six step process from Research Data Scotland. This includes:
