Secure data access opportunity from the SafePod Network: Apply now to install a SafePoint at your organisation
Categories: Research using linked data, ADR UK Partnership
25 March 2025
The SafePod Network has launched SafePoint: a low-cost, scalable, and standardised safe setting for secure data access within approved research organisations. Building on the success of the ADR UK-funded SafePod Network programme, SafePoint has similar security controls to a SafePod. It provides localised, secure access to sensitive data such as those from the Office for National Statistics and the UK Data Service. Organisations can now apply to install SafePoint and enhance their data access capabilities for research.
What is a SafePoint?
A SafePoint consists of:
- A SafePod Network-approved room – This is a room within an organisation's building that meets SafePod Network security and physical requirements.
- A SafePoint Desk – This is a custom built SafePod Network Desk that provides the necessary security controls and IT infrastructure for data access.
What SafePoint Desk models are available?
There are two different SafePoint Desk models:
SafePoint Single Desk
A SafePoint Single Desk is suitable for organisations that require a dedicated secure data access point for one or two researchers.
SafePoint MultiDesk
A SafePoint MultiDesk is ideal for organisations needing up to two secure data access points, and/or where there is a need for collaborative research. The MultiDesk can function in two modes:
- As two independent SafePoint Single Desks for secure data access - The desks are divided by a partition. Each desk supports up to two researchers working on a research project.
- One large collaboration desk – The partition lowers electronically, allowing up to four researchers to work together on their research project. Researchers can collaborate across the desk, or swivel the monitors for closer teamwork.
SafePoint Desk features
Both SafePoint Desk models feature:
- Screen barriers
- Secure IT cupboard
- Monitor security system
- CCTV camera
- Large 34” dual monitors
- Writing panel
- Researcher Locker.
Additionally, a SafePoint Single Desk includes a height adjustable desk.
Why apply to install SafePoint?
With the SafePod Network fully established, SafePoint provides research organisations with a local and cost-effective secure data access solution to provide greater opportunities to apply for and use sensitive data for public good research.
SafePoint's major benefits include:
- Security controls ready – Meets the strict requirements of data centres for secure data access.
- Improved research opportunities – Enables researchers to apply for and access data directly from their organisation.
- Multi-access data platform – Provides researchers with access to data from different data centres.
- Simplicity – A simple plug in safe setting for secure data access.
- Scale and speed – Quick installation at any approved research organisation.
- Collaborative research – A MultiDesk supports up to four researchers working together.
- Widens data access – A secure and flexible way for data centres to share data for research.
- Future-proofed – Designed to support various hardware and connection solutions.
- Flexibility – Can be used for an organisation’s own confidential research projects (subject to approval).
How does SafePoint support data access?
A SafePoint can provide secure access to data from data centre partners that have joined the SafePod Network. This will include both the Office for National Statistics and the UK Data Service.
Subject to SafePod Network approval, a SafePoint can also be used for:
- Access to data collected as part of an internal research project at a SafePod Network organisation, and which requires secure access.
- Access to data collected by external organisations as part of an internal research project at a SafePod Network organisation, and which requires secure access.
What are the funding and purchasing options?
SafePoint Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) grant-funded model
Organisations can apply for partial funding for a SafePoint to provide secure access to data for research. As a condition of funding, an organisation must make their SafePoint accessible to internal and external researchers.
SafePoint ESRC grant-costed model
Organisations can apply for a fully costed SafePoint as part of an ESRC research grant application, where secure access to data is required for the research.
SafePoint outright purchase model
Organisations can apply to purchase a SafePoint where secure access to data is required for their own research.
Learn more and apply
For full details on SafePoint applications, funding, and installation, visit the SafePod Network website.
