Accessing data

Data access can be complex, so here is an outline of processes, access requirements and data catalogues available in Scotland.

Existing processes

For researchers seeking to gain approval for their research project and access to the required data, they are advised to follow the six step process as outlined on the Research Data Scotland website. This includes:

In addition to these 6 steps, researchers may wish to refer to either:

  • ADR UK's Trusted Research Environment webpage on the ADR UK website or 
  • The Researcher's Handbook was produced by the ADR Scotland team in 2019, and updated in August 2023 to give a comprehensive overview of what to consider when accessing data for research, in particular when carrying out data linkage. The handbook covers:  
    1. Where to start and who can help; 
    2. What data is available;
    3. Developing research questions and defining the data needed to answer them
    4. Processes and requirements for accessing data
    5. The importance of clear public benefit in research
    6. Costing and funding information
    7. Information governance considerations and safe settings information
    8. Research output guidance, restrictions and advice.

What data is available?

For more information on the data and the supporting metadata that is available in the ADR UK Data Catalogue, you may wish to access the ADR Scotland Data Catalogue which shows the growing collection of administrative datasets available for public-good research in Scotland.

You can also visit Research Data Scotland's website and the ADR Scotland Dataset Table to see available datasets, including links to metadata files, user guides and supporting information. 

Other data catalogues:

Public Benefit and Privacy Panels in Scotland

There are two panels which approve access to data, depending on the type of data being used or linked. They are:

This helpful blog from eCRUSADERs provides a round-up of a HSC-PBPP course with plenty of tips.

 

Before researchers can access any administrative data in any safe setting, they must have successfully completed appropriate training. SCADR regularly delivers the ONS Safe Researcher Training course - please visit the ONS-SRT webpage for further details. 

 

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