SafePod Network

The SafePod Network (SPN) is a major research innovation to provide and manage a network of standardised safe settings (SafePods) across the UK for data that requires secure access for research.

All SafePods operate under standardised policies and procedures and provide accredited researchers with access to their project datasets from Data Centres that join the SPN.

The SPN is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and run by the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research as part of the ADR UK programme.

What is a SafePod?

A SafePod is a small standardised safe setting that provides the physical security and controls for a researcher to access sensitive datasets.   This includes a door control access system, CCTV, a researcher area for the analysis of datasets and a separate secure storage area for IT equipment. A SafePod is also wheelchair accessible and includes a height adjustable desk.

SafePods will be primarily based at universities.  The major advantage for a researcher is that they will now be able to securely access different Data Centre datasets from a single local SafePod, removing the geographical, time and cost barriers that have typically been associated with a researcher attending one of the few safe settings across the UK.

A total of 25 SafePods will be part of the SafePod Network and spread geographically across the UK.

Data Centres joining the SPN

A wealth of government datasets, as well as study and survey datasets will be available for secure access from SafePods.  This will include datasets from:

• Office for National Statistics Secure Research Service;
• UK Data Service;
• SAIL Databank; and
• Linked datasets created by Administrative Data Research UK projects.

Other Data Centres are expected to join the SPN to provide access to their datasets over time.

Accessing the SafePod

To access the SafePod at the University of Dundee follow the instructions below:

• Ensure you are an approved researcher with a project approval in place with a Data Centre that has joined the SPN.
• Register as a researcher with the SPN. Registration will involve completing a short online questionnaire on SPN User policies.
• Once your registration is complete, make a booking request for the University of Dundee SafePod from the SafePod Network website.
• Your SafePod booking request will then be sent to your chosen Data Centre.  If approved, a booking confirmation email will then be sent to you.

On the day of the booking come to University of Dundee and ask for the SafePod Coordinator.  Please ensure you bring valid identification with you and follow instructions provided in the booking confirmation email for use of the SafePod. Note, the SafePod Coordinator will not be able to grant  access to the SafePod unless you provide valid ID approved by the SPN.

Where needed, priority of access will be given for research that is critical to society and the economy.

SafePod location and opening hours

The University of Dundee SafePod is located on the top floor of Main Library. The general opening hours will be 10am – 4pm during the week. 

More information

For more information about the University of Dundee SafePod, please contact safepod@dundee.ac.uk

Further information about the SPN and SafePod locations is available from their website at www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk.

SafePod is a registered trademark of the University of St Andrews.