Enhancing data information and access
ADR UK datsets can be accessed by accredited researchers for approved research projects that will benefit the public.
ADR UK partners have rigorous safeguards in place to ensure data cannot be accessed by any unauthorised person, or for any reason other than research for the public good. To find out more about our secure operating model, take a look at the 'Five Safes' system that we follow.
Better data, better documentation: Improving the visibility and usability of ADR UK flagship datasets
In 2024–25, ADR UK made significant strides in improving access to and understanding of our flagship datasets - the key datasets with high research value that align with our eight core research themes, from health and education to the environment, crime and justice. These datasets, available to accredited researchers via trusted research environments across the UK, are crucial for enabling research that informs better policy and delivers public good.
Enhancing flagship dataset information provision
This year, we undertook a comprehensive update of the flagship datasets section on our website. These new and improved pages clearly outline each dataset’s component parts, documentation, access route, and any relevant training materials or recordings. The aim is to offer researchers - particularly those new to administrative data - a clear and useful entry point. Each dataset page functions as a springboard to help users understand what data is available, how to access it, and what’s required to make a strong application. This complements our wider data catalogue, where all datasets are searchable and filterable by topic, geography, and access route.
As part of our commitment to improving documentation quality, we also published new core guidance for producing user guides and data dictionaries for ADR UK flagship datasets, to help drive improvements. These materials ensure researchers have the information needed to write robust and feasible research applications. The guidance sets a clear and consistent standard for documentation going forward and supports the presentation of metadata both on the ADR UK website and our trusted research environment websites.
Together, these developments are helping to improve the visibility, usability, and research impact of our flagship datasets, enabling more researchers to access high-value data for projects that can deliver meaningful public benefit.
“ADR UK’s portfolio of flagship datasets holds immense potential for research that benefits the public. This year it’s been fantastic to see their usability grow, enabling more researchers to realise the value of administrative data in generating vital insights to inform policy and practice. As new data linkages, tools and resources continue to emerge from our research-ready data projects, I’m looking forward to seeing this work translate into impact – across academia, government, and society as a whole.”
SafePod Network develops SafePoint: a new solution for secure data access
Following the completion of the ADR UK-funded SafePod Network programme last year, with 24 SafePods installed at institutions across the UK, efforts have focused on providing a scalable solution for secure data access.
This year, the SafePod Network launched SafePoint, designed to provide any approved organisation in the UK with their own data access point for multiple trusted research environments. This includes the Office for National Statistics Secure Research Service and the UK Data Service.
Like SafePods, SafePoints enable an approved organisation to have access to sensitive data for research. A SafePoint consists of:
- A room within an organisation that meets SafePod Network security requirements
- A custom-built SafePoint Desk inside the room. Various desk models are available (see below).
Desk models include key security features such as CCTV, locked IT system storage, monitor display protection, and screen privacy barriers. Desks also come with 34" large screens and the SingleDesk is height adjustable.
SafePoints provide a simplified and standardised mechanism for secure data access. Research organisations no longer need to individually meet the often complex security requirements within trusted research environments, as this is all provided through the SafePod Network.
Applications to install a SafePoint are now open with different purchasing routes available. A new SafePoint Hub, containing a SafePoint MultiDesk and two SafePoint SingleDesks, is in development at the London School of Economics and expected to open later this year.
For more information on SafePoints or to apply for installation, visit the SafePod Network website.
