University of St Andrews 2022 - 2026 ADR UK Programme
Lead Research Organisation:
University of St Andrews
Department Name: Geography and Sustainable Development
Abstract
The SafePod Network (SPN) is a major new research innovation created to significantly improve access to data for public benefit research through the provision of standardised safe settings (SafePods) across the UK.
The major objectives of the SPN are to:
1. Significantly improve the quantity and diversity of public benefit research by providing researchers with equitable and secure access to data through the provision of a network of standardised safe settings (SafePods and SafeSpaces) across the UK;
2. Improve and widen the sharing of data for public benefit research by raising awareness and advocating the work of the SPN with data centres in the UK; and
3. Provide clear information and sign posting for researchers to be able to understand how to access data for public benefit research from all safe settings across the UK.
The introduction of the SafePod Network will overcome many barriers that have prohibited researchers from undertaking important public benefit research, including those of limited access, time and cost (typically caused by long travel to the required safe setting). By providing improved access to data through the SPN it is expected that applications for data will increase. As a result, it is anticipated that the quantity and diversity of public benefit research in the UK is likely to be significantly increased.
The major objectives of the SPN are to:
1. Significantly improve the quantity and diversity of public benefit research by providing researchers with equitable and secure access to data through the provision of a network of standardised safe settings (SafePods and SafeSpaces) across the UK;
2. Improve and widen the sharing of data for public benefit research by raising awareness and advocating the work of the SPN with data centres in the UK; and
3. Provide clear information and sign posting for researchers to be able to understand how to access data for public benefit research from all safe settings across the UK.
The introduction of the SafePod Network will overcome many barriers that have prohibited researchers from undertaking important public benefit research, including those of limited access, time and cost (typically caused by long travel to the required safe setting). By providing improved access to data through the SPN it is expected that applications for data will increase. As a result, it is anticipated that the quantity and diversity of public benefit research in the UK is likely to be significantly increased.
Organisations
- University of St Andrews (Lead Research Organisation)
- Public Health Scotland (Collaboration)
- London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London) (Collaboration)
- National Records of Scotland (Collaboration)
- OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS (Collaboration)
- University of Leeds (Collaboration)
- SAIL Databank (Collaboration)
- Economic and Social Research Council (Collaboration)
- Government of Scotland (Collaboration)
- Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland (HSCNI) (Collaboration)
- UK Data Service (Collaboration)
| Description | The SafePod Network (SPN) provides standardised safe setting services (known as SafePods and SafePoints) across the UK to provide researchers with secure access to Data Centres administrative and other sensitive data for public benefit research. The provision of SafePods and SafePoints enables researchers to have local access to data, where previously access would have been difficult or not possible as a researcher would have had to attend one a few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Another major benefit of SafePod Network is that researchers can access data from many different Data Centres in the UK from a SafePod or SafePoint. Data Centres that have joined the SafePod Network include the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service, SAIL Databank and the Scottish Government. As a result of the introduction of the SafePod Network, Data Centres are able to share their data more widely across the UK for researchers to access and use. There are currently 24 SafePods spread across the UK. SafePoints will be available from March 2025 enabling any research organisation in the UK to have their own safe setting for secure access to data. |
| Exploitation Route | The SafePod Network has established standardised safe settings all across the UK. This has provided greater opportunities for researchers to apply for data and enabled them to access different Data Centres sensitive data for research. As a result of the success of the SafePod Network, new services are being developed to provide further standardised secure data access solutions for research. |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy Education Environment Healthcare Government Democracy and Justice Security and Diplomacy Other |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Description | The major impact of the SafePod Network has been to overcome the traditional barriers that researchers faced when trying to access administrative and sensitive data for research. Typically, there were few safe settings in the UK which were prohibitive for researchers to access and use because of travel, time and cost. As a result of the SafePod Network, researchers can now access different Data Centre data from SafePods and SafePoints across the UK. Data Centres also have a ready made standardised safe setting platform for providing access to their data for research purposes through the SafePod Network. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2021 |
| Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Education,Environment,Healthcare,Government, Democracy and Justice,Security and Diplomacy,Other |
| Impact Types | Societal Economic Policy & public services |
| Description | Widening access to data across the UK |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
| Description | University of St Andrews 2022 - 2026 ADR UK Programme |
| Amount | £120,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Economic and Social Research Council |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Title | Awards scheme for Coordinators |
| Description | An awards scheme was developed to thank Coordinators for their time and effort to manage their SafePod. The awards scheme also has a publicly available table that Coordinators can display their achievements for the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Provides recognition from the SafePod Network to Coordinators for their time and efforts to manage their SafePod. |
| URL | https://safepodnetwork.ac.uk/safepod-coordinator-awards/ |
| Title | CCTV system inside SafePods |
| Description | Development of policy and procedures to enable different Data Centres to use the CCTV system inside SafePods. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Enables Data Centres to have access to the SafePod Network CCTV system to monitor activity inside SafePods when researchers are accessing their data. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Integrated Data Service added to the SafePod Network |
| Description | The Office for National Statistics Integrated Data Service platform has been added to the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Researchers will be able to access data from the Office for National Statistics Integrated Data Service via SafePods. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | LIDA trusted research platform available to external organisations |
| Description | Working with the SafePod Network, the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics has made their Trusted Research Environment available to external organisations to deposit their data. This data can then be remotely accessed across the UK from SafePods. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | LIDA has provided a new contribution to the growing improvement for secure data research in the UK by becoming the first trusted research environment on the SafePod Network to allow external organistions to deposit confidential and sensitive data on its platform. This has created the first ready made secure solution in the UK for the deposit and access of data, and enables organisations and researchers to avoid the considerable time, cost and infrastructure requirements needed to set up their own trusted research environment. Many new sources of data are expected to be available for important research that will benefit the public. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at Durham University |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at Durham University to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at Glasgow Caledonian University |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at Glasgow Caledonian University to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at Lancaster University |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at Lancaster University to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at Northumbria University |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at Durham University to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at The National Archives |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at The National Archives to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at Ulster University |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at Ulster University to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the London School of Economics and Political Science |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the London School of Economics and Political Science to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Aberdeen |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Aberdeen to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Bath |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Bath to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Bristol |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Bristol to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Cambridge |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Cambridge to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Central Lancashire |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Central Lancashire to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Dundee |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Dundee to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Exeter |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Dundee to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Leicester |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Leicester to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Liverpool |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Liverpool to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Manchester |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Manchester to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Nottingham |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Nottingham to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Oxford |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Oxford to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Sheffield |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Sheffield to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of St Andrews |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Warwick to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of Warwick |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of Warwick to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of York |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of York to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Manufacture and installation of a SafePod at the University of the Highlands and Islands |
| Description | A SafePod is a small prefabricated room with the necessary security controls for providing secure access to data. A SafePod was installed at the University of the Highlands and Islands to provide local access to data from SafePod Network partners. This currently includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service. SAIL Databank, Scottish Government, National Records of Scotland and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The SafePod is part of the SafePod Network which has achieved many impacts for public benefit research. This includes: Providing SafePods across the UK so that researchers can have local access to data. This has removed historical barriers to research such as a lack of facilities, cost and time for researchers to attend one of the previous few dedicated safe settings in the UK. Enabling access to multiple Data Centres data from the same SafePod. Previously researchers would have to travel to different locations to access different data. Removing the ongoing security procedures and assurances that individual organisations would need to manage to have their own safe setting. This is managed by the SafePod Network with each Data Centre. Providing Data Centres with a standardised low cost safe settings platform so that they can widen access to their data across the UK. Encouraging public benefit research as researchers can more easily attend a SafePod for access to data. SafePods can also be used by organisations for their own local confidential research projects. The standardisation of SafePods is likely to provide opportunities for international links for secure access to data from different countries outside of the UK. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Physical penetration test completed on the prototype SafePoint Desk |
| Description | A physical penetration test was completed on the prototype SafePoint Desk to ensure its physical security. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | A physical penetration test was completed on the prototype SafePoint Desk to ensure its physical security. The test will help provide assurances to Data Centres wishing to provide remote access to data from SafePoint Desks. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Policies and procedures for SafePods |
| Description | Creation and development of a wide variety of policies and procedures to run a national network of SafePods. This includes: 1.Agreements for Researchers, Host Organisations and Data Centres to join the SafePod Network. 2. Data Protection documents. 3. Documents and manuals for the ownership and management of SafePods. 4. Background check documents for Coordinators. 5. Security and assurances documents for Data Centres. 6. Internal documents for the management of the SafePods. 7. IT documents. 8. SafePod specification documents. 9. Health and Safety documents. 10. Legal documents for the purchase and manufacture of SafePods. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The policies and procedures provide the requirements and information for the management, security and operation of SafePods across the UK. The policies and procedures form the standardised structure to enable researchers to access data in a secure manner for public benefit research from SafePods, and provides the assurances to Data Centres to share their data remotely across the network. |
| URL | http://safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Policies and procedures for SafePoints |
| Description | Creation and development of a wide variety of policies and procedures to run a national network of SafePoints. This includes: 1.Agreements for Researchers, Host Organisations and Data Centres to join the SafePod Network. 2. Data Protection documents. 3. Documents and manuals for the ownership and management of SafePoints. 4. Background check documents for Coordinators. 5. Security and assurances documents for Data Centres. 6. Internal documents for the management of the SafePoints. 7. IT documents. 8. SafePoint specification documents. 9. Health and Safety documents. 10. Legal documents for the purchase and manufacture of SafePoints. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The policies and procedures provide the requirements and information for the management, security and operation of SafePoints across the UK. The policies and procedures form the standardised structure to enable researchers to access data in a secure manner for public benefit research from SafePoints, and provides the assurances to Data Centres to share their data remotely across the network. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Remote control system added to SafePods |
| Description | For improved security and support, a remote control system has been added to SafePods to enable Coordinators to switch the SafePod Network IT System on and off without having to open the secure cupboard or physically attend a SafePod. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Provides improved security for the SafePod and enables the SafePod Network IT System to be switched on and off without a Coordinator having to open the secure cupboard or physically attend a SafePod. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | SafePod Network Coordinators |
| Description | A network of Coordinators has been created across the UK. Coordinators are responsible for the operation and management of SafePods in line with SafePod Network policies and procedures. They are existing staff members that are based at organisations that host a SafePod. Coordinators are trained in SafePod Network policies and procedures and need to take the training course every 3 years. They are also background checked in line with SafePod Network procedures. As at 2024, there are currently over 180 Coordinators across the UK. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Coordinators manage SafePods in line with SafePod Network procedures and are critical to the operation of a SafePod and enabling researchers to access their data for research. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | SafePod Network Training Questionnaire for Coordinators |
| Description | Development of a training questionnaire to ensure that a person has an excellent understanding of SafePod Network policies and procedures to manage SafePods. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | The training questionnaire provides assurances that a person has an excellent understanding of the SafePod Network policies and procedures to become a SafePod Coordinator and manage a SafePod. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | SafePod Network Training Questionnaire for researchers |
| Description | Development of a training questionnaire to ensure that researchers have a good understanding of SafePod Network policies and procedures to use SafePods. The questionnaire is editable by an administrator to change questions over time. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Provides assurances that researchers have a good understanding of the policies and procedures to use SafePods. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | SafePod Network bookings for 2023 |
| Description | SafePod Network provides standardised safe settings across the UK for researchers to access their project data from the major Data Centres. This includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service, SAIL Databank and Scottish Government. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | For the period 1st January 2023 to the 31st December 2023, researchers made a total of 1,333 bookings for SafePod Network Services to access their project data for research. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | SafePod Network bookings for 2024 |
| Description | SafePod Network provides standardised safe settings across the UK for researchers to access their project data from the major Data Centres. This includes the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service, SAIL Databank and Scottish Government. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | For the period 1st January 2024 to the 31st December 2024, researchers made a total of 1,752 bookings for SafePod Network Services to access their project data for research. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | SafePods upgraded with two monitors |
| Description | All SafePods in the network were upgraded from one monitor to two monitors to help Researchers with their data analysis. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | All SafePods now have two monitors to help Researchers with the analysis of their data. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | SafePoint MultiDesk prototype |
| Description | Specification, development and manufacture of a SafePoint MultiDesk. SafePoint is a new standardised safe setting development to support secure access to data (including the necessary security controls) from a custom built desk in an approved room. The desk includes CCTV camera, IT cupboard, screen barrier and a centralised electronic partition to enable two separate desks for secure access to data or can be combined into one desk for researchers to collaborate together.. The main benefits for SafePoint low cost, scalability and enabling greater research collaboration. SafePoint will enable research organisations across the UK with a simple solution to have their own secure data access point for research. A funding call for SafePoint is expected in March 2025. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | SafePoint will provide research organisations across the UK with a simple solution to have their own secure data access point for research. The development of SafePoint will also help widen access to Data Centre's data across the UK. |
| URL | http://safepodnetwork.ac.uk/safepoint |
| Title | SafePoint Single Desk prototype |
| Description | Specification, development and manufacture of a SafePoint Single Desk. SafePoint is a new standardised safe setting development to support secure access to data (including the necessary security controls) from a custom built desk in an approved room. The desk includes CCTV camera, IT cupboard, screen barrier and height adjustable desk. The main benefits for SafePoint low cost, scalability and enabling greater research collaboration. SafePoint will enable research organisations across the UK with a simple solution to have their own secure data access point for research. A funding call for SafePoint is expected in March 2025. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | SafePoint will provide research organisations across the UK with a simple solution to have their own secure data access point for research. The development of SafePoint will also help widen access to Data Centre's data across the UK. |
| URL | http://safepodnetwork.ac.uk/safepoint |
| Title | SafeSpot prototype |
| Description | SafeSpot is a new development to provide a standardised secure system for researcher to access data from their desk at their office or home. SafeSpot will meet security standards for accessing sensitive data and provide numerous benefits. This will include ease of set up and use, and removing the requirements placed directly on organisations by Data Centres to evidence security and compliance with their standards for access to their data. SafeSpot design has been completed and is now in the prototype stage. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | None. SafeSpot is currently in prototype development. |
| Title | Spares Box provided to all SafePods |
| Description | A Spares Box containing spare cables and other equipment has been provided to all SafePods. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | The Spares Box contains all the essential cabling and equipment to help remedy cabling or other non technical issue with a SafePod. This enables Coordinators to fix non technical issues with a SafePod. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Description | ESRC SafePoint development |
| Organisation | Economic and Social Research Council |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | To help support research where access to sensitive data is required, the ESRC has enabled research organisations to cost for a SafePoint as part of their research grant applications. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research organisations will be able to have their own SafePoint for secure access to data to undertake dedicated research, removing the previous barriers to have to set up or find a safe setting for such purposes. |
| Impact | This is a new development due to commence in March 2025 as part of the overall SafePoint programme. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Partnership between the London School of Economics and Political Science for a SafePoint Hub |
| Organisation | London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the SafePod Network has partnered to provide a new Hub of SafePoints at LSE. The Hub will provide four new SafePoints for secure data access and help meet researcher demand in London. The Hub is scheduled to open in summer 2025. |
| Collaborator Contribution | LSE will be providing the room and resources for the operation of the SafePoint Hub. The room will provide four new desks for secure access to data. |
| Impact | The LSE SafePoint Hub is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Partnership between the SafePod Network and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland |
| Organisation | Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland (HSCNI) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Partnership between the SafePod Network and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland to provide access to their data through the SafePod Network. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Health and Social Care Northern Ireland now provide access to their data for research through the SafePod Network. |
| Impact | Health and Social Care Northern Ireland data is now available for access by researchers through the SafePod Network. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Partnership between the SafePod Network and Leeds Institute for Data Analytics |
| Organisation | University of Leeds |
| Department | Leeds Institute of Data Analysis |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The SafePod Network partnered with the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics together to make their Trusted Research Environment (LASER) platform available from SafePod Network services. As a result, a standardised end to end service is now available for the secure deposit and access of data for research from SafePod Network Services across the UK. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Leeds Institute for Data Analytics has made their Trusted Research Environment (LASER) available through the SafePod Network. |
| Impact | This partnership provides a standardised service for the secure deposit and access of research data. Sensitive data can be deposited into the LIDA secure Trusted Research Environment and then made available to approved researchers using SafePod Network services across the UK. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Partnership between the SafePod Network and Office for National Statistics |
| Organisation | Office for National Statistics |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Partnership between the SafePod Network and the Office for National Statistics to provide access to their Secure Research Service and Integrated Data Service data for research through the SafePod Network. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Office for National Statistics currently provide access to their Secure Research Service data through the SafePod Network. Work is ongoing to provide access to their Integrated Data Service data through the network. |
| Impact | The Office for National Statistics Secure Research Service data is now available for access by researchers through the SafePod Network. |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Partnership between the SafePod Network and Public Health Scotland |
| Organisation | Public Health Scotland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Working with Public Health Scotland on the technical requirements and agreements to begin sharing their data through the SafePod Network. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Setting up procedures and requirements to begin sharing their data through the SafePod Network. |
| Impact | All requirements have been completed for Public Health Scotland to share their data through the SafePod Network. Awaiting go live date from Public Health Scotland. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Partnership between the SafePod Network and SAIL Databank |
| Organisation | SAIL Databank |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Partnership between the SafePod Network and SAIL Databank to provide access to their data for research through the SafePod Network. |
| Collaborator Contribution | SAIL Databank now provide access to their data for research through the SafePod Network. |
| Impact | SAIL Databank data is now available for access by researchers through the SafePod Network. |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Partnership between the SafePod Network and Scottish Government |
| Organisation | Government of Scotland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Partnership between the SafePod Network and the Scottish Government to provide access to their data for research through the SafePod Network. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Scottish Government now provide access to their data for research through the SafePod Network. |
| Impact | Scottish Government data is now available for access by researchers through the SafePod Network. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Partnership between the SafePod Network and the National Records of Scotland |
| Organisation | National Records of Scotland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Partnership between the SafePod Network and Health and National Records of Scotland to provide access to their data for research through the SafePod Network. |
| Collaborator Contribution | National Records of Scotland now provide access to their data for research through the SafePod Network. |
| Impact | National Records of Scotland data is now available for access by researchers through the SafePod Network. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Partnership between the SafePod Network and the UK Data Service |
| Organisation | UK Data Service |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Partnership between the SafePod Network and the UK Data Service to provide access to their SecureLab data for research through the SafePod Network. |
| Collaborator Contribution | UK Data Service now provide access to their SecureLab data for research through the SafePod Network. |
| Impact | The UK Data Service SecureLab data is now available for access by researchers through the SafePod Network. |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Title | SafePod trademark |
| Description | SafePod is a small prefabricated safe setting which provides secure access to sensitive data. |
| IP Reference | |
| Protection | Trade Mark |
| Year Protection Granted | 2021 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | A network of SafePods has been created across the UK for data that requires secure access for research. |
| Title | SafePoint Trademark |
| Description | SafePoint is a custom built desk based system for data that requires secure access for research. |
| IP Reference | |
| Protection | Trade Mark |
| Year Protection Granted | 2023 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | No impacts yet. Currently in development. |
| Title | Coordinator Awards |
| Description | Provides a public recognition page based on Coordinators service time and bookings made for their SafePod Network Services. |
| Type Of Technology | Webtool/Application |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Impact | The Coordinator Awards Scheme provides recognition for a person's time and effort to manage their SafePod Network Services. |
| URL | https://safepodnetwork.ac.uk/safepod-coordinator-awards/ |
| Title | Monitor Security System |
| Description | The monitor security system is being to developed as part of a suite of security controls for SafePoint. The monitor security system detects a researcher's presence when they are close to the monitors on a SafePoint Desk. When a researcher's presence is not detected then the system automatically cuts the signal to the monitors to protect the information on the display. |
| Type Of Technology | Physical Model/Kit |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Impact | Will provide additional security controls for SafePoint and help provide assurances to Data Centres for access to their data from SafePoints. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Office for National Statistics Integrated Data Service available through the SafePod Network |
| Description | Functionality added to the SafePod Network IT system to enable researchers to access the Office for National Statistics Integrated Data Service through the SafePod Network. |
| Type Of Technology | Webtool/Application |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Impact | Researchers will be able to access the Office for National Statistics Integrated Data Service data through the SafePod Network. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Online training tool for Coordinators |
| Description | An online training tool has been developed to ensure that a Coordinator has an excellent understanding of the policies and procedures for management of their SPN service, such as a SafePod or SafePoint. The training tool has been set up so that a person must take the training every three years. The tool is editable to allow training questions to be changed. |
| Type Of Technology | Webtool/Application |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Impact | The tool provides assurances to the SafePod Network that a person has an excellent understanding of the policies and procedures to manage and operate their SafePod Network service. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | Online training tool for Researchers |
| Description | An online training tool has been developed to ensure that a researcher has an excellent understanding of SafePod Network policies and procedures to use SafePod Network services, such as a SafePod or SafePoint. The training tool has been set up so that a researcher must take the training every three years. The tool is editable to allow training questions to be changed. |
| Type Of Technology | Webtool/Application |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Impact | The tool provides assurances to the SafePod Network that a researcher has an excellent understanding of the policies and procedures to use SafePod Network services. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | SafePod Network IT system (Linux) |
| Description | Development and provision of SafePod Network IT system (Linux) with HTML menu system to allow secure remote access to different Data Centre's Trusted Research Environments for researchers to access their data. The IT system is secured into SafePod Network services, such as SafePods and SafePoints. |
| Type Of Technology | Physical Model/Kit |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Impact | Allows a researcher to use SafePod Network services to connect to different Data Centre's Trusted Research Environments for access to their data. Previously a researcher would have needed to have travelled to attend a Data Centre's dedicated safe setting. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | SafePod Network IT system (Windows) |
| Description | Development and provision of a new SafePod Network IT system (Windows) with HTML menu system to allow secure remote access to different Data Centre's Trusted Research Environments for researchers to access data. The IT system will be secured into SafePod Network Services, such as SafePods and SafePoints. The updated system provides improved security and flexibility for the management of protocols to connect to Trusted Research Environments, and enables two factor authentication, which is a common requirement to enable researchers to log in and access their data. |
| Type Of Technology | Physical Model/Kit |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | Allows an approved researcher to use a SafePod Network Service to connect to different Data Centre's Trusted Research Environments for access to data. Previously a researcher would have needed to have travelled to attend a Data Centre's dedicated safe setting. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Title | SafePod Network website |
| Description | Creation and development of the SafePod Network website. The website is the public facing point for the network and provides: 1. A bookings system for researchers to book SafePod Network Services, such as SafePods and SafePoints. 2. A management system for organisations to manage their SafePod Network Services. 3. A management system for Data Centres to manage their SafePod Network Services bookings and set access conditions to them. 4. Information and news about the SafePod Network. 5. Registration and training areas for Researchers, Coordinators and Data Centre Administrators. 6. An administration area to manage the website and bookings. 7. An awards scheme for Coordinators. |
| Type Of Technology | Webtool/Application |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Impact | Provides an easy to use centralised system for the booking and management of SafePod Network Services. The website also provides a dashboard for internal management of the website. |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Description | GW4 Secure Data Access Week |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A webinar to provide further information about the SafePod Network and open days for researchers to visit SafePods at the Universities of Bath, Bristol and Exeter. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Description | International Secure Data Facility Professionals Network |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The International Secure Data Facility Professionals Network (ISDFPN) is a Forum to share expertise, experience, and collaborate on new ideas relating to Secure Data Facilities in national and international contexts. SafePod Network is part of this group and was invited to provide a presentation on SafePoints, which is a new development for standardised safe settings. Their was considerable interest in SafePoint and members of the group are now looking at a possible collaboration on making European data available using SafePoints. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Online article about the SafePod Network |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | An article published on the Administrative Data Research UK website to provide more information about the SafePod Network activities and the completion of the SafePod installation programme across the UK. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.adruk.org/news-publications/news-blogs/safepod-network-completes-installation-programme-... |
| Description | SafePod Network and Health Data Research UK Webinar |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The SafePod Network and Health Data Research UK organised a webinar to showcase SafePods and data access throughout Scotland. The Webinar provided an introduction to the SafePod Network, researcher experiences of using the network and talks from Data Centres about their data including Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland and the Office for National Statistics. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Description | SafePod Network newsletter |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A SafePod Network newsletter providing information and news about the SafePod Network. Issued quarterly and distributed by email. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022,2023 |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Description | SafePod Network webinar |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A webinar to provide researchers with information about the SafePod Network, how SafePods can be accessed and used and data sources available. The webinar was hosted by the University of York and a video of the webinar is available on YouTube. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |
| Description | SafePod Network webinar |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A webinar to provide more information about the SafePod Network. The webinar was hosted by the South West Doctoral Training Partnership. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | http://www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk |