Why do we need a safe environment and procedures to access sensitive data for research? Confidential data, deemed ‘personal’, are generally prevented from release by data collectors (e.g. by way of download), for fear that a data subject could be identified, and confidential information about them exposed.
This one and a half day workshop organised by the UK Data Service will introduce what is involved in setting up a secure research facility and the principles to support international best practices for providing safe and secure access to confidential and sensitive microdata via secure remote access, the 5 Safes: Safe People, Safe Projects, Safe Settings, Safe Outputs, Safe Data.
The workshop will cover:
Safe People - we’ll introduce the concept of an ‘Accredited Researcher’
Safe Projects - what can be considered a ‘safe’ project
Safe Settings - we’ll drawn on the experience of the UK Data Archive in implementing and maintaining an Information Security Management System and what it means to be a ‘secure setting’ and we’ll explain the differences between ‘Remote Access’, ‘Onsite Access’, and ‘Job Submission’ systems
Safe Data - what data can we provide to researchers in a secure facility? We will apply our experience to emerging forms of data, particularly administrative sources, and how we can meet the challenges presented by Big Data for maintaining confidentiality
Safe Outputs - we’ll share our experience of output-based statistical disclosure control
We will also hold smaller ‘break-out’ sessions where you can interact with experienced service staff from UK Data Service, HMRC, ONS, MoJ and ADRN to allow opportunity to raise any questions specific to your own work. Finally, optional 1-to-1 surgeries will be held on day 2 where you can bring any specific topics or challenges to discuss with experts.
Costs of the workshop are:
£100 - Staff - UK academic institutions & research centres, ESRC funded researchers, UK reg. charity & voluntary orgs., Staff - Public sector and Government
£150 - All other participants including commercial organisation and non-UK individuals
Prerequisites
This workshop is aimed at UK academics, public sector and other sector professionals charged with setting up secure data services. If you wish to attend this workshop please email booking@ukdataservice.ac.uk in the first instance giving an outline of your professional research and interests. As places are limited to 25, we will be selecting participants on the basis of their professional remit. Please also indicate any specific topics or challenges you would like to bring to our optional 1-to-1 surgeries on Friday afternoon. Lunch will be provided for those staying on for surgery sessions.
