How to apply top section
DataLoch is currently accepting applications from academics and health and social care professionals within the South-East Scotland region. Any person wishing to access any of the datasets hosted by DataLoch will need to meet a number of key governance criteria to ensure their purpose and interest is both legitimate and appropriate.
The DataLoch team works with applicants to understand the purpose and technical requirements of the project. Researchers must undertake training on how to work safely with data. We recommend either the ONS Safe Researcher Training course or the Research, GDPR and Confidentiality modules and quiz from the Medical Research Council.
Each project goes through careful scrutiny by NHS employees trained in data privacy, to ensure the request is appropriate, proportionate and in the public interest. Depending on the specific purpose and data required to support the project, ethical approval may also be required. We help guide applicants through any additional exceptional approvals.
Approved researchers can then access and analyse the data extracts within the Scotland National Safe Haven. This infrastructure is one of several Safe Havens across Scotland dedicated to protecting the confidentiality of data and which are required to meet the best practice national standards for access and information security.
