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12 Sept 2025
Research Data Scotland (RDS) will require all researchers who apply for access for data through the Researcher Access Service (RAS) to have accredited researcher status from Thursday 30 October.
As part of RDS’s strategy to align with the Digital Economy Act (DEA) 2017, all applications via the RAS will need to be made from accredited researchers from Thursday 30 October.
Researchers who need to work with secure data can apply for accreditation with the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
There are two types of researcher accreditation: full or provisional - eligibility depends on the researcher’s qualifications and experience.
Applications for researcher accreditation are processed by the Integrated Data Service (IDS) with no involvement from RDS. The process can take around three to five weeks.
Accredited researchers are required by The Digital Economy Act (DEA) 2017 to publish their details on the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) Public Register.
Research Data Scotland (RDS) is aligning with the DEA to simplify and accelerate access to public sector data for research while maintaining the highest standards of privacy, security, and public trust. This move supports the Scottish Government’s ambitions to:
By adopting the DEA, RDS can offer a single, streamlined approval pathway through the Researcher Access Service (RAS), replacing multiple, overlapping panel processes.
This change has multiple benefits for researchers, data owners and the public, such as a more efficient process, more transparency and stronger safeguards. This is will ultimately lead to better outcomes for all with more research and evidence available to inform public policies and improved services.
Launched in 2024, the Researcher Access Service is a streamlined end-to-end platform for researchers accessing secure data. For the first time, the process is fully digitised, simplifying applications and enabling researchers to track their data access request from start to finish.
Developed in collaboration with eDRIS at Public Health Scotland, the service introduces a streamlined, risk-based triage process guided by the Five Safes framework, meaning that eligible projects no longer need to be considered by a Public Benefit and Privacy Panel (PBPP).
Currently, nine of Public Health Scotland’s most frequently requested datasets are available through the streamlined service, and we are continually working to expand the range of datasets available.
To find out more explore our webpages.
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Want to learn how the Researcher Access Service can make it faster and simpler for you and your colleagues to access public sector data for research? Request an introduction from our team.
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