ADR Scotland data records
Available ADR Scotland datasets including links to metadata files and supporting information.
ADR Scotland programme
Learn how Research Data Scotland (RDS) is working with Administrative Data Research Scotland (ADR Scotland).
About ADR Scotland
ADR Scotland – part of ADR UK and funded by the ESRC – is helping to make administrative datasets more readily linkable and securely available for research on a suite of critical issues in Scotland, including children's lives and outcomes, lifelong health and wellbeing, health and social care, poverty and fair work, and building safer communities.
What is administrative data?
Administrative data, also known as public sector data, is information about a person that is collected by public sector bodies such as NHS, local authorities, government bodies, schools, social care organisations, and many others. You can find out more in our introduction to public sector data.
RDS within the ADR Scotland programme
Research Data Scotland (RDS) began work as a delivery body for the ADR Scotland programme in 2023. This includes carrying out practical data work around preparing and updating datasets before they are added to the National Safe Haven, as well projects to improve how the data is prepared and accessed by researchers.
In November 2023, RDS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Scottish Government, detailing how the organisation will help to deliver core elements of the ADR Scotland (Administrative Data Research Scotland) programme. This work will contribute to ensuring better alignment across the Scottish system and so increase the impact of the ADR investment.
ADR Scotland Datasets
You can browse the ADR Scotland and other public datasets using our metadata catalogue.
Full list of available datasets curated by ADR Scotland
Access to the secure datasets listed is through the Statistics Public Benefit and Privacy Panel (Stats-PBBP).
Support is available through Public Health Scotland's electronic Data Research & Innovation Service (eDRIS).
Timescales for data access vary and depend on the nature of your project proposal.
To begin a data access request, submit an initial enquiry form
Further information
ADR Scotland is a partnership combining specialists in the Scottish Government’s Data for Research, Analytical Platforms and Data Sharing Legislation Unit with the expertise of academic researchers at the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR). Together they are transforming how public sector data in Scotland is curated, accessed and explored, so it can deliver its full potential for policymakers and for the public.
Learn more about the ADR Scotland and ADR UK programmes, or read our announcement about our agreement with Scottish Government.
Related content
Our partners
We work with the Scottish Government and Scotland’s leading academic and public bodies.
RDS joins ADR Scotland Programme
Research Data Scotland has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Scottish Government, detailing how the organisation will help to deliver core elements of the ADR Scotland programme.