The UK Data Service will act as a single online gateway where researchers and government bodies can deposit, find, and download data for social and economic research, while keeping sensitive personal information locked in a secure lab for approved users only. This matters because much of the data collected by government and by research projects—on health, employment, housing, or education—is never used again after its original purpose. Without a central, trusted repository, valuable datasets are scattered, lost, or locked behind inconsistent licensing. The Service solves that fragmentation by providing a single, standardised access point. If successful, the Service will make it far easier for economists, sociologists, and policymakers to analyse large-scale, high-quality data without needing separate agreements with dozens of data owners. This could improve the evidence base for decisions on public spending, social policy, and infrastructure planning. The project also adapts to major shifts in government data-sharing policy—such as the Digital Economy Bill and the reform of Approved Researcher status—ensuring that the UK’s research infrastructure keeps pace with legal and technical changes. The result is a quieter, more reliable system for turning raw data into usable knowledge.
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The UK Data Service will provide an easy to use, trusted, one-stop shop for * owners of data which have potential for re-use for social and economic research * users of these types of data Users are expected to come to the UK Data Service's website to search and browse for data collections created by a wide range of suppliers, including government data, data from ESRC-funded research projects, and will be able to access or download these data for their own use. The Service will rely on user registration to enhance our ability to tailor the needs of users and to ensure that licensing arrangements are correctly managed. (In the intervening period between the submission of this proposal and the new award, there will be a complete review of all the data collections currently held under the ONS-Special Licence. This review will remove this form of licence, therefore, all data currently available through this mechanism will either be available through our near-Open End User Licence or controlled through Secure Lab.) We shall continue to advocate Open access to relevantly classified datasets, while ensuring that access to personal data is maintained through the provision of secure access to sensitive data for trusted and Approved Researchers. The five years of this award, are likely to see some of the most significant changes in sharing government data --- all of which have a significant impact on the UK Data Service --- the review of the Approved Researcher status has the potential to broaden use of our Secure Lab; the Digital Economy Bill (currently in Parliament) is likely to widen the range of data we have deposited from government and the change of policy of the ADRN to allow the retention of data means that the UK Data Service is one of the most likely places for these data to be maintained. The timescale for some of these activities is clear and we can plan for; for others, we shall have to be responsive to external factors. For the Service to provide long-term access to data, the highest levels of digital repository and digital preservation techniques will be applied; and the Service shall conform to the relevant national and international standards to ensure the highest quality service. Audience Stakeholders Public - protection of data.
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