Our integrated service for researchers accessing secure data in Scotland.
The Researcher Access Service is a platform for researchers to discover and apply to access de-identified data about people, places and businesses in Scotland.
Historically, ways of accessing public sector data for research in areas such as health, education, child protection and justice have been fragmented. From a researcher’s perspective, even simple requests are not straightforward, forcing people to work across multiple websites and follow often convoluted processes.
Developed by Research Data Scotland (RDS) in collaboration with our partners, the Researcher Access Service brings together information about public sector data which is held by organisations across Scotland. It provides a clear, simple starting point for researchers to begin their application to access data through the National Safe Haven and Regional Safe Havens, which together make up the Scottish Safe Haven Network.
Managed and led by RDS, the Researcher Access Service is developed in collaboration with eDRIS at Public Health Scotland and in partnership with the Scottish Safe Haven Network.
Once you have submitted your enquiry, you will be guided through the relevant approvals process by a team of experts.
Depending on which datasets you need access to, your application may be eligible for the Research Data Access Pathway, taking advantage of RDS’s agreement with Public Health Scotland to provide faster, simpler access to datasets.
Find out if your project fits the criteria for the Research Data Access Pathway:
For projects requiring approval from either the Public Benefit and Privacy Panel for Health and Social Care (HSC-PBPP) or the SG & NRS Data Access Panel, previously known as the Statistics Public Benefit and Privacy Panel (S-PBPP)
If your project requires access to regional-level data, it may progress through an approvals pathway hosted by one of Scotland’s Regional Safe Havens.
The Scottish Safe Haven Network brings together Scotland’s National and four Regional Safe Havens. Find out more about accessing data via the Regional Safe Havens:
Through the Researcher Access Service, you can explore the RDS metadata catalogue to discover what data is available for research in Scotland, or submit an enquiry to a team of experts who will guide you through data access requirements.
The Research Data Access Pathway (previously referred to as the RAS pathway) offers a digitised, streamlined approvals process, including a portal for applicants to track the status of their application throughout.
To be eligible for the Research Data Access Pathway, your project must meet to the eligibility criteria throughout its lifespan. If at any point you request a change that takes your project outside the scope of the Research Data Access Pathway, you will need to submit a new application through another relevant approval pathway.
Details of all projects approved through the Research Data Access Pathway, including lay summaries and public good statements, are published on our Data Use Register.
As we continue to develop the Researcher Access Service, RDS is working with eDRIS, the Scottish Safe Haven Network and other partners to make improvements to the service, align data access processes across Scotland and widen the scope of datasets available via the Research Data Access Pathway.
Already have an application in progress? Make changes and view updates through the Researcher Access Service.
Find guidance on the how to submit an application for the Research Data Access Pathway and which documents to prepare.
Find out more about projects that have been approved through the Research Data Access Pathway and the public benefit they deliver.
Find details on approved organisations in the UK, and how to apply for accredited researcher status.
Confused about terminology? Our list of common terms will help you understand more about how public sector data is used for research.
Learn about the concept of public good and how research projects must deliver clear benefit to the public.
Find out which datasets and variables are available through the Research Data Access Pathway
Find more information on the Research Data Access Pathway pricing model.
Get an overview of the process for applying to access secure datasets for research.
Interested in supporting the development of the Researcher Access Service and helping us shape our work?
