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HHSL Safepod: Home

SafePod Support

What is a SafePod?

A SafePod is a small standardised safe setting that provides the physical security and controls for a researcher to access sensitive datasets. This includes a door control access system, CCTV, a researcher area for the analysis of datasets and a separate secure storage area for IT equipment. A SafePod is also wheelchair accessible and includes a height adjustable desk.

SafePods are primarily based at universities, with the SafePod at UHI being part of a network of 23 SafePods spread geographically across the UK. The major advantage for a researcher is that they will now be able to securely access different Data Centre datasets from a single local SafePod, removing the geographical, time and cost barriers that have typically been associated with a researcher attending one of the few safe settings across the UK.

The SafePod Network (SPN) is a major research innovation to provide and manage a network of standardised safe settings (SafePods) across the UK for data that requires secure access for research.

All SafePods operate under standardised policies and procedures and provide accredited researchers with access to their project datasets from Data Centres that join the SPN. The SPN is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and run by the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research as part of the ADR UK programme.

The SafePod Network is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and managed by the University of St Andrews. SafePod is a registered trademark of the University of St Andrews.

A wealth of government datasets, as well as study and survey datasets will be available for secure access from SafePods. This includes datasets from:

Additional data centres are expected to join as the service develops. The SafePod can also be used for other local or confidential work that requires the use of a safe setting, and Institutions can also arrange for their datasets to be made available via the SafePod Network.


How to book the SafePod

To access the SafePod at HHSL, please follow the steps below:


When to request a booking?

SafePod booking requests can be made at anytime. Please note that short notice booking requests (within three days of the booking date) will need to be approved by Highland Health Sciences Library first and then the Data Centre you wish to access data from.


On the day of your booking...

On the day of the booking come to the Service Desk by the Entrance of the Highland Health Sciences Library and ask for the on-duty SafePod Coordinator. Please ensure you bring valid identification with you and follow the instructions provided in the booking confirmation email for use of the SafePod. 

Further Information

For more information about the Highland Health Sciences Library SafePod, please contact the HHSL Safepod Coordinator. Further information about the SPN and SafePod locations is available from their website at www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk.


Frequently Asked Questions
  • Who can use the SafePod?
    The SafePod is available to all researchers, including postgraduate researchers, at UHI and other local institutions. you can see the location of a SafePod local to you via the SafePod Network.
     
  • How is access to dataset(s) provided?
    Researchers will remotely access datasets via the SPN’s secure VPN connection to a data centre’s web portal. Researchers must then enter their project credentials to gain access to their datasets. Statistical disclosure control procedures will be agreed between the researcher and the data centre.
     
  • How can I request access to a dataset?
    Accredited researchers may access datasets as part of an approved project agreed with a participating data centre. Links to researcher accreditation processes are provided on this page, where known. Please contact the relevant data centre directly for more information and to request access to a specific dataset. 
     
  • How can I book a SafePod?
    Bookings can be made by contacting the Highland Health Science Library via email or by phone on 01463 279837
     
  • I have a specific user requirement (e.g. I need to use an accessible keyboard and mouse). How should I request this?
    Please contact the SafePod Coordinators at the Highland Health Science Library to discuss any requirements so that where we are able to, these can be arranged for you in advance.
     
Christopher O'Malley
Telephone
01463279837
Email
University of the Highlands and Islands Library,
Centre for Health Science,
Old Perth Road,
Inverness
IV2 3JH
 

Data Providers : ONS

ONS produces and publishes a wide range of the information about the United Kingdom that can be used for social and economic policy-making as well as painting a portrait of the country as its population evolves over time. 

Data Providers : SAIL Databank

The Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank is a national data safe haven of de‑identified datasets principally about the population of Wales, made available in anonymised form to researchers across the world. 

Data Providers : UK Data Service

The UK Data Service is the largest digital repository for quantitative and qualitative social science and humanities research data in the United Kingdom. 

The UK Data Service is commissioned to provide data access and support for researchers from all sectors including higher education, central and local government, foundations, charities and business. 

Data Providers : Scottish Government

This site is managed by The Scottish Government on behalf of all producers of official statistics in Scotland. It provides statistics from a variety of organisations such as The Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland, NHS Information Services Division and Transport Scotland.

Data Providers : ADR UK

ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK) is made up of four national partnerships (ADR England, ADR Northern Ireland, ADR Scotland and ADR Wales), and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which ensures data provided by UK Government bodies is accessed by researchers in a safe and secure form with minimal risk to data holders or the public.

Data Providers : HSCNI

The Honest Broker Service is the Trusted Research Environment for Health and Social Care (HSC) Northern Ireland and is hosted within the HSC Regional Business Services Organisation (RBSO/BSO).