SafePod Network

The SafePod Network (SPN) provides a major advance to the way that sensitive datasets can be securely accessed for research purposes.  The SPN is the first service in the world to provide and manage a network of standardised safe settings (SafePods) for secure access to sensitive datasets for research purposes across the UK.  All SafePods operate under the same policies and procedures.

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, separate secure storage area for IT equipment, wheelchair accessibility and a height adjustable desk.  In most cases, no datasets need to be held inside a SafePod, and instead access is provided by secure remote connection from a SafePod to a dataset holding organisation’s server.

The major benefits of the SPN are that it will encourage research and provide far wider access to sensitive datasets.  This is because the geographical, cost and time barriers typically associated with a researcher attending one of the few dedicated safe settings across the UK are removed.

Data centres

The SPN is expected to go live in early 2021 and provide secure access to datasets held by the following data centres:

• Office for National Statistics;
• UK Data Service; and
• SAIL Databank.

Other data centres are expected to join the SPN once the service is established.  An organisation that owns a SafePod can also arrange for their own confidential datasets to be made available from their SafePod.

How to access the SafePod

Once the SPN is live, bookings for access to the SafePod will be available via the SafePod Network Website.

Access to the on-campus SafePod will then by coordinated by trained staff from University of Dundee Research Services team.

Our SafePod will be located on the top floor of the Main Library, with an expected installation date in November 2021.

More information

For more information about the SafePod at the University, please email discovery@dundee.ac.uk.

For general enquiries about the SafePod Network contact 01334 463901 or email safepodnetwork@st-andrews.ac.uk.

The SPN is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and run by the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research. Both are part of the Administrative Data Research UK programme.  SafePod is a registered trademark of the University of St Andrews.