There are several different routes through which researchers can securely access administrative data.
The route you take depends on what data you want to access, where in the UK you want to access it from, and what existing accreditation you and your institution have for accessing data.
Before you can access data
Whichever route you select, researchers wishing to use the data must go through an accreditation process. You can find all the details about becoming an accredited researcher through the Office for National Statistics, where you can also create an account on the accreditation hub to make your application. The process includes undertaking Safe Researcher Training and passing a final test.
Full accredited researcher status under the Digital Economy Act 2017 is valid for five years. Provisional accredited researcher status is valid for one year.
Once accredited as a researcher, you can then submit your research project for approval. This includes an assessment of the ethics of your proposed research and checks that the data requested matches the research questions being asked.
You can find more detail on the researcher journey, and the benefits of using administrative data for research, on the Use administrative data for research page.
Nation-specific information
Some researcher accreditation requirements vary across UK nations when accessing local trusted research environments (TREs). Always check with your local provider for the most up to date information. A summary of requirements is outlined below:
- Researchers in Wales should complete the ONS accredited researcher training as above, and then follow a two-stage application process if requesting access to the SAIL databank.
- Researchers in Northern Ireland should also complete the ONS accredited researcher training and then obtain an AccessNI certificate to access the Secure Environment. Visit the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) website for more information.
- Researchers in Scotland should complete the ONS accredited researcher training, noting that specific data controllers have specific training course requirements. More details can be found on the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR) website.
Data access routes
There are three key ways to access our data, all designed to ensure secure and safe use:
- In one of our trusted research environments based in each of the four UK nations
- Via an approved, secure connection (known as Assured Organisational Connectivity) to a trusted research environment
- In one of a network of SafePods based at academic institutions around the UK.
You can find out what data is available for research, and which routes it can be accessed through, in the ADR UK Data Catalogue.
Take a look at our Learning Hub for further information and guidance around selecting and accessing data.
