Applying
Follow our application steps to become a member.
- Register
Instructions for registering are provided at: Registering with the ESDS. Registration requires completion of an online form and agreement to an end user licence.
- Order
Secure Data Service datasets are clearly marked on the ESDS Data Catalogue.
To order the data:
- Locate datasets either by using the ESDS Data Catalogue or one of the other methods described in Finding data.
- Click 'download/order' within the data catalogue -- or tick the relevant box where indicated -- and click 'go'.
- Register a usage of the data, or choose from any previous Secure Data Service usages. For a new usage, enter a short summary (minimum 30 words) describing how you intend to use the data.
- Click 'add datasets'.
- Click 'request permission' to place your order.
- Click 'accept special condition', where you'll read the steps necessary to become a Secure Data Service member. Upon clicking 'I agree', you will receive a confirmation email with follow-up instructions.
- Gain
You are directed to the relevant Approved/Accredited Researcher form during the data ordering process. The form requires:
- details of your previous research projects and publications
- details about the purpose of your research
- a signed declaration that you understand the confidentiality obligations owed to the data
You may need to provide the contact details of a senior member of staff who can vouch for you.
Forms must be filled out by all individuals requiring access to the data, and for all research projects for which Secure Data Service data are required.
The form is screened by us and the data owners. You should therefore allow for a time delay of up to 4 weeks whilst your application is being processed.
- Agree
We will email you to let you know whether or not your application was successful. If successful, you and an appropriate officer at your institution (for example from your contracts office) must sign a user agreement which outlines the terms and conditions of use of the Service. The agreement includes:
- liability for you to complete our training
- information security responsibilities - not giving out password, not disclosing or compromising any personal information
- penalties and breaches
- output release policy
- acknowledgements and copyright requirements.
- Attend
If this is your first application with us you'll need to attend our face-to-face half-day training session. We will contact you to arrange attendance - we should be able to come to you or to an institution near to you. See Training for more information about what the training covers.
If you've accessed data from us before and you last attended our training more than two years ago, you'll need to complete a refresher training course.
- Receive
Upon successful completion of your first training course you'll receive your membership pack, user guide and personal login that will allow you remote access to the data you are authorised to use.
Our service is fully integrated into the Economic and Social Data Service (ESDS) registration and ordering systems. Researchers at UK institutions of higher and further education are eligible to apply and are directed to the relevant Approved/Accredited Researcher form during the data ordering process:
- Access to our Office for National Statistics datasets is restricted to ONS Approved researchers under the Statistics and Registration Services Act of 2007.
- Access to our non-government data is restricted to ESRC Accredited Researchers.
The forms are screened by us and the relevant data owners and if approval is received you'll be invited to attend one of our training sessions. You and your institution will also need to agree to the terms and conditions of use of our service before you receive your Member Logon.
If you're outside the UK but inside the EU, you may be eligible for onsite access under the EU-funded Data without Boundaries project.