Secure access to data - Assured Organisational Connectivity

Accessing secure research data as an accredited researcher

Assured Organisational Connectivity to the Secure Research Service

The University of Dundee has Assured Organisational Connectivity (AOC) with the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) Secure Research Service (SRS).  SRS provides accredited researchers secure access to de-identified, unpublished data. 

There are over 100 datasets available, covering areas such as population, crime, environment, earnings, business, retail, financial assets, patents, employment, health, including COVID-19 and coronavirus data. You can view the full list of available datasets.

What is Assured Organisational Connectivity?

Researchers based in organisations that have an Assured Organisational Connectivity (AOC) agreement in place with the Secure Research Service (SRS) can access the SRS from their University or organisation.

What are the benefits to you?

• no travel required – access from your office or home
• guaranteed access – no need to book a Safe Room or SafePod
• 24 hour 7 day availability – access the SRS at any time
• free to use – as long as security standards are followed

Researcher access requirements

Before your use of the Secure Research Service (SRS), you must:

• sign the Accredited Researcher Assurance Registration (ARAR) form

Before and during your use of the SRS, you must:

• avoid using phones or other devices while using the SRS, except to receive your multi-factor authentication code at login
• use only your approved organisational device (Assured Organisational Connectivity (AOC) only)
• if working from home, access the SRS only through your organisation’s secure VPN (AOC only)
• only access the SRS from the home address listed on your ARAR (AOC only)

What do you need to do? 

To become an accredited researcher you will need to apply to the Research Support team in ONS. There is more information on the requirements for making an application within their guidance document and at the webpage.

Are you an accredited researcher?

If you are already an Accredited Researcher and you wish to be considered for approval to access the SRS from home, you will need to request an application form by email from [email protected]. They will send you a form requesting further information.

Summary: how access is determined

Your access to the SRS depends on:

1. The access level of your project
2. Your organisation’s AOC status

You must meet the requirements for both, to access your project through a specific route. 

SRS will advise on whether the data you want to work with can be accessed the SRS from home. The Discovery team at Library Services must be informed and will provide further support and advice, contact [email protected]

SafePod Network

SafePods are secure, self-contained rooms that meet the same standards as Safe Rooms. They allow accredited researchers to access secure datasets from multiple locations across the UK and Northern Ireland.

SafePods are mainly based at universities and research institutions and there is a SafePod situated on the top floor of the main library. 

• View SafePod locations and book online