The UK Data Service SecureLab has enabled secure access to the most sensitive and confidential data in the collection since 2011.
SecureLab provides controlled access to data that are too detailed, sensitive or confidential to be made available under the standard End User Licence or Special Licence. Our specialised staff apply statistical control techniques to ensure the delivery of safe statistical results.
Strict research application criteria set by data providers and legislation means that not all research or researchers are eligible to access SecureLab.
Our security philosophy and practice is based upon training and trust, leading-edge technology, licensing and legal frameworks, and strict security policies and penalties; having collaboratively developed the Five Safes Framework in 2017.
Data accessed in this way cannot be downloaded. Once researchers and their projects are approved, they can analyse the data remotely from their organisational desktop, by using our Safe Room, or one of the SafePod Network’s SafePods across the UK. We provide access to statistical and office software to make remote analysis and collaboration secure and convenient.
We invite data owners and researchers to join the UK Data Service community to enable responsible use of detailed data for high-quality research.
More resources and information
COVID-19: Accessing SecureLab FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about accessing data through the SecureLab
SecureLab user guide (PDF)
Short video guide about accessing data through our SecureLab