New report published on public opinions of data access for research

RDS is continuing to develop the Researcher Access Service, a streamlined end-to-end platform for researchers accessing secure data for research in the public benefit, which launched in April 2024. Alongside this, RDS is also working with the Scottish Safe Haven Network to streamline access to other data, in the context of a UK-wide Health Data Research Service. These services make it faster and simpler for researchers, while maintaining high levels of data safety and security. As the Researcher Access Service is expanded to include datasets beyond health data, RDS sought public input to the definition of public good used to evaluate projects as well as how the public should be involved.

On behalf of Scottish Government, RDS is developing a common Operational Framework for simplified access to public sector data by the private sector, in line with the highest ethical and legal standards. This framework will align with Scottish Government policy in this area and support the aims of the Unlocking the Value of Data programme. Public input was sought to understand public views on how private sector should access data.

Contributing to these work areas, RDS and Scottish Government representatives worked with market research company Ipsos to better understand public opinions on accessing data for research. This work built on existing public engagement work to further inform the Researcher Access Service and the Operational Framework.

Between April and May 2025, three workshops were held with 32 members of the public from across Scotland to cover three overarching questions:

• How can we tell when the use of deidentified individual level data about people in Scotland for research is in the ‘public good’, and when it is not?
• How should the public be involved in decisions about sharing deidentified data about people in Scotland?
• Which methods for private sector organisations accessing data about people in Scotland are acceptable? 

Key findings at a glance

Public good

The workshops found that there was broad public support for all organisations being required to demonstrate how their proposed research serves the public good before being granted access to public sector data. The public participants acknowledged the difficulty in creating a single definition of ‘public good’, but outlined overarching criteria which included tangible benefits, a clear prioritisation of public wellbeing over any financial interests and robust safeguards to protect vulnerable groups.

As the Researcher Access Service expands, RDS is looking to develop our definition of public good to reflect the public’s expectations, informed by this initial work and ongoing collaboration with members of the public, including with the Scotland Talks Data public panel.

Public involvement in data access

When considering the role of the public in decisions about sharing de-identified data for research, the participants supported the creation of a Public Impact Advisory Group (PIAG), with a diverse membership, as a means of embedding public involvement in the Researcher Access Service, thereby increasing trust and transparency.

RDS plans to launch a pilot PIAG in Autumn 2025, which will run for six months and will incorporate the principles raised in this report. The public members involved in this pilot will also help to shape the full iteration of the PIAG, which we plan to launch in 2026.

Private sector access to public sector data

Despite some scepticism towards commercial entities, participants accepted that private sector access to public sector data could be beneficial if subject to the same rigorous ‘public good’ criteria and appropriate safeguards. Vetting any private sector organisation requesting access was deemed essential, including its structure, history, values, and commitment to public good.

Working in partnership with the Scottish Government, RDS is continuing to embed public engagement into the foundation of our framework for safe, secure private sector access to public sector data for research in the public good.

Katie Oldfield, Public Engagement Manager, said: “We wish to thank everyone who took part in these public sessions. We will continue to work with members of the public, including the Scotland Talks Data panel, to understand public expectations around data access and to ensure public endorsement is at the core of our work to develop Scotland’s research data systems.”