ONS Research Data Access Strategy

AGENDA

• Background and context

• Confidentiality

• The Strategy

Background

• Builds on success • Strengthens recent developments in data services• Seeks to explore and promote research • Seeks to improve awareness of research value • Plans for the future

Context for decisions

• Transparency agenda• Open government licence• The forthcoming ‘Freedom Bill’• Freedom of Information and data• Unlocking service• Case law and precedents • Secure data service / VML• ONS Public Task• Data handling review• Consultations

Context for decisions

• A simple concept:• Assign ‘Impact levels’ to the data• Designate ‘security levels’ to locations• Ensure the level of the location matches or

exceeds the level of the data

• But complex in practice.• What are the levels• How are they assigned• What happens to existing practice that

doesn’t fit?

Confidentiality

1. It is appropriate for microdata collected for official statistical purposes to be used for statistical analysis to support research as long as confidentiality is protected

2. Microdata should only be made available for statistical purposes

3. Provision of microdata should be consistent with legal and other necessary arrangements that ensure confidentiality of the released microdata is protected.

4. The procedures for researcher access to microdata, should be transparent and publicly available.

Key aspects of the strategy

Building partnerships with the Research Community by providing and ensuring :

1. Access to microdata for statistical research

2. Communication with researchers and other stakeholders

3. Risk management, governance and lawfulness of access

1. Access to microdata for statistical research

• Promotion of research • VML as primary ‘on-site’ facility • Secure Data Service• Economic and Social Data Archive • Approved Researchers • Metadata • Access to data• Review and use of best practice

2. Communication with researchers

• Directory of contacts • Transparent processes • Joint development of best practice

3. Risk management and governance

• ONS governance processes for release, access and use of microdata

• Ensuring data confidentiality is maintained • Best statistical practice for data linking and

matching• Clear guidelines to users • Data management in line with Government principles• Legal status of researchers communicated

Questions?