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