About the Public Impact Advisory Group (PIAG)

Why is the PIAG important?

The PIAG will provide an improved level of transparency and public involvement in the RAS process. They will review applications and consider their potential impact for public good. This will also give researchers an opportunity to improve their application before they submit it to the RAS panel for approval.  

How the PIAG pilot will work:

• During the pilot, the PIAG will review all applications made through the Researcher Access Service (RAS) before the applications go to the RAS panel for final approval.  
  
  
• The PIAG will meet monthly to discuss new RAS applications. The group won’t review any technical information about statistical analysis plans, but will consider the following information from each application form:

• • Summary of research  
  • Background to research (for example, is it part of a larger programme?)   
  • Public good statement   
  • Datasets requested 
  • Public acceptability statement  
  • Public engagement plans  
  • Dissemination  
  • Risks and risk mitigation 

• The advisory group will provide feedback to applicants on these sections of the form, including any concerns they have or clarifications they would like to see made. 
  
  
• The PIAG cannot approve or reject a project. It is the responsibility of the researcher to consider what changes to make to their application ahead of RAS Approval panel review, based on the feedback provided. 
  
  
• During the six-month pilot, feedback about the process will be gathered from researchers, members of the advisory group and the eDRIS team. 

This approach has been informed by ongoing public engagement work with Scotland Talks Data and wider public dialogue sessions with IPSOS, as well as findings from existing public panels such as UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration (UK LLC), DataLoch and SAIL Databank. 

Who will take part in the PIAG pilot?

All participants in the PIAG pilot will be members of the public who have relevant knowledge and experience of taking part in other advisory groups or panels, for example, the Scotland Talks Data Panel. Members of the PIAG pilot will be trained for the role and supported by a dedicated member of staff. PIAG members will also be paid for their involvement, according to the Scottish Government guidelines. This will help ensure researchers receive the best possible advice on how to improve their applications. 

What will happen at the end of the pilot?

At the end of the pilot, we will evaluate the process with members of the advisory group, researcher and eDRIS and make changes as needed. A new recruitment approach will be decided as part of the evaluation for the PIAG to ensure a range of knowledge and experience.  

Further information

• To learn more about projects approved through the RAS, see the Data Use Register
  
  
• Find out more about the Scotland Talks Data public panel