Researcher Access Service

Client: Public Health Scotland

The Researcher Access Service is a new digital service that makes it quicker and simpler for approved researchers to access public sector data for research.

It streamlines and simplifies the data access process, allowing researchers to access data faster and gain timely insights. This enables decision-makers to base their policies on quality research built on quality data. Historically, application systems have been confusing and inconsistent, requiring researchers to complete paper forms with no online support. The Researcher Access Service simplifies this process by introducing the first fully digital platform for requesting datasets from the Scottish National Safe Haven, enabling researchers to submit and track their application from start to finish via an online portal.

Launched by RDS in April 2024, the service initially provides access to nine datasets around health. We will expand to include other areas like education, social work, and justice through discussions with data controllers.

We have ensured that users, including researchers, partners, and other data professionals, are a key part of the design process.

The design and delivery of the Researcher Access Service has been through several stages of iterative development, with ongoing user consultation established as a fundamental part of the process.