Access levels and conditions

Each dataset held in the UK Data Service collection has an access level designated by the data provider depending on the detail, confidentiality and sensitivity of the data: open, safeguarded or controlled. Differences in how a specific dataset can be accessed vary according to these levels.

1. Open data: Users can access open datasets without any registration. Some may be subject to an Open Government Licence (OGL) or a Creative Commons Licence (CC).
2. Safeguarded data: Safeguarded datasets can be downloaded by registering and accepting our End User Licence (PDF). Some safeguarded data may have additional conditions attached.
3. Controlled data: Data that are too detailed, sensitive or confidential are accessed through the UKDS SecureLab, our own trusted research environment. After registering, experienced researchers can apply to access controlled data. To enable quicker access to this service, please check you meet all the application criteria set by data providers before you apply. Users can connect to the UKDS SecureLab via:
   • A device located at and owned by your institution (which has been approved during the application process).
   • SafePods in the SafePod Network.
   • Our Safe Room, located on level 5B of the UK Data Archive, University of Essex.
4. ONS SRS: Users can access the Trusted Research Environment of the Office of National Statistics (ONS), named Secure Research Service (SRS), via our Safe Room. A user wishing to access ONS data, and other SRS-held data, via our Safe Room must have an Accredited Researcher Assurance Registration (ARAR) signed by the UK Data Archive’s Single Point of Contact (currently Leigh Tate) and also the ONS. Users can access these by contacting customer.support@ons.gov.uk.
5. International controlled data: Using the relevant terminal installed in our Safe Room a result of our involvement in the International Data Access Network (IDAN), users have the opportunity to access controlled/secure access data from the following Trusted Research Environments:
   • CASD (The Secure Data Center), France.
   • IAB FDZ (Research Data Centre of the German Federal Employment Agency at the Institute for Employment Research), Germany.
   • The Secure Data Centre at GESIS (Leibniz institute for the Social Sciences), Germany.

Booking the UK Data Service’s Safe Room

Users who wish to use the Safe Room are required to submit an online booking request using the Safe Room booking form. When booking, users need to specify which service they wish to access (i.e. UKDS SecureLab, ONS SRS, CASD, IAB, or GESIS).

The Safe Room is available for bookings Monday to Friday between 09.00 to 17.00, and Tuesday between 13.00 to 17.00.