From: Administrative Data Liaison Service [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 03 September 2013 12:04
To: Administrative Data Liaison Service
Subject: Response needed: The future of administrative data research

Dear Colleague

As you may be aware, the Administrative Data Taskforce was formed with the aim of improving access to and linkage between government administrative data for research and policy purposes.

The Taskforce provided a number of recommendations, including that Administrative Data Research Centres (ADRCs) should be established in each of the four countries in the UK.  These centres will be responsible for commissioning and undertaking linkage of data from different government departments and making this de-identified data available for research.

One of the models currently being considered for remote access to data held in ADRCs is from purpose built safe settings placed in academic institutions across the UK.  This has the potential to provide a number of advantages including:

1.  Data controllers will clearly understand the safe settings that their data will be available from.
2.  Interested academic institutions will not need to resource and convert their existing rooms to safe rooms.

You can view an example picture of a purpose built room from:
http://www.adls.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/Purpose-built-safe-room.jpg.

The ADLS would be keen to hear your views on this model.  In particular we would be very grateful if you could send a return email answering the following questions:

1. Would you be happy to use a purpose built safe room at an academic institution if it meant you would have access to ADRC data for your research?
2. As a security precaution, it is possible that your behaviour within the room would be monitored by CCTV.  How would you feel about this?
3. During a session you will only be allowed to write your research notes on (i) a whiteboard within a room and (ii) saved electronically on a server (which will be checked before it could be released).  Would this be acceptable for your work?  If not what else would you need?
4. What comfort features would you like to see in the room?
5. Are there any other issues or concerns about the room you might have?

I would be grateful if you could submit your reply to me by Friday the 13th September.  Should you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours faithfully

Darren Lightfoot
ADLS Manager


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Darren Lightfoot
Service Manager
Administrative Data Liaison Service
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ST ANDREWS
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