SafePoint information and application

1. INTRODUCTION
SafePoint is a low cost and scalable solution to provide researchers with a standardised safe setting within their organisation for data that requires secure access for research.  SafePoint includes similar security controls to a SafePod.

A SafePoint comprises of:

  • A SafePod Network approved room
    The room must be within an organisation's building and meet SPN security and physical requirements.
     
  • A SafePoint Desk
    This is a SPN custom built desk within a SafePoint Room that provides the security controls and IT system for remote access to data.

Application procedures for a SafePoint are provided at the bottom of this page.

2. SAFEPOINT DESK MODELS

Two SafePoint Desk models are available.  A SafePoint MultiDesk and SafePoint Single Desk.

SAFEPOINT MULTIDESK
The SafePoint MultiDesk is suitable for organisations that require more than secure data access point for research, or where there is a need for collaborative working on a research project.  The SafePoint MultiDesk has two modes and can be operated as either:

  • Two independent SafePoint Single Desks supporting up to two researchers each.
  • A large collaboration desk enabling up to four researchers to work on the same research project together.  Collaboration can be either across the desk or working together at the end of the desk.   

The SafePoint MultiDesk includes screen barrier, electronic partition, motion sensor (for protecting information on the screens), CCTV system and large 34" double monitors.
 

Figure 1: Picture of the SafePoint MultiDesk - single desks set up mode.

Figure 2: Picture of the SafePoint MultiDesk - collaboration desk set up mode.

The dimensions of the SafePoint MultiDesk are approximately 2.8 metres width by 2.3 metres depth by 1.6 metres height.  The weight is approximately 750 kg.  


SAFEPOINT SINGLE DESK
The SafePoint Single Desk is suitable for organisations that require a dedicated secure data access point for one or two researchers.  The SafePoint Single Desk includes screen barrier, height adjustment, secure cupboards, motion sensor (for protecting information on the screens), CCTV system and large double monitors.

Figure 3: Picture of the SafePoint Single Desk exterior.
 

Figure 4: Picture of the SafePoint Single Desk interior

The dimensions of the SafePoint Single Desk are approximately 2.3 metres width by 1.69 metres depth by 1.6 metres height.  The weight is approximately 380 kg. 


3. SAFEPOINT MAJOR BENEFITS
The major benefits for SafePoint are as follows:

  • Security assurances ready: Provides the necessary IT system, security, policies and ongoing compliance measures required by Data Centres for an organisation to securely access data.
  • Local data access: A researcher can securely access data from their own organisation.
  • Multiple Data Centre access: Provides secure access to different Data Centre’s data.
  • Scalable: Any research organisation in the UK can apply to have a SafePoint for secure data access.
  • Low cost: Offers organisations an affordable solution for secure data access.
  • Speed: Can be manufactured and installed quickly.
  • Collaboration: A SafePoint MultiDesk can be used for collaborative working for up to four people on research projects.
  • Widens data access: Provides Data Centres with a ready-made platform to securely widen access to their data across the UK.
  • Flexibility: When not in use as a SafePoint, the room can be used for other purposes.
  • Future proofed: Can be used for an organisation’s own local confidential research projects (subject to SPN approval).


4. SAFEPOINT PHYSICAL SECURITY
A SafePoint has the following physical security controls:

  • The set up of a SafePoint Room (including door) must meet the criteria specified by the SafePod Network.
  • A tall screen barrier on a SafePoint Desks and placement control prevents oversight risk.
  • A CCTV camera installed into a SafePoint Desk enables Data Centres to monitor activity.
  • A secure locked cupboard for storage of IT equipment is built into a SafePoint Desk.
  • To protect the information on the monitors, a sensor on the SafePoint Desk automatically switches the monitors off when no one is at the desk
  • Cabling within a SafePoint Desk is hidden to prevent tampering.
  • A retractable belt barrier in place between a SafePoint Desk entrance(s) and adjoining wall(s).  Belt barrier provides a warning for unauthorised persons not to enter and must be in place when the desk is in use and not in use.  Monitors do not switch on unless the belt barrier is in place.


4. MANAGEMENT AND USE
Each SafePoint is managed by a Senior Responsible Person and a team of Coordinators at the host organisation in line with SafePod Network policies.  Coordinators are background checked (including a disclosure check) and trained.

Researchers can only use a SafePoint once they have completed an online training questionnaire on SafePoint terms and conditions for use.  


5. DATA
It is expected that all Data Centres providing access to their data from SafePods will also provide access to their data from SafePoints, which includes the Office for National Statistics and UK Data Service.


6. FUNDING AND PURCHASING OPTIONS
There are three routes for an organisation to procure a SafePoint:

1. ESRC funding call
An ESRC funding call will be available which will provide part funding for organisations to host a SafePoint.  Organisations must make their SafePoint open to internal and external researchers as part of the funding requirement.  The funding call is expected in the summer of 2024.  Funding is subject to application to the SafePod Network.

For a SafePoint Single Desk:  a £5000 contribution is required to be made by an organisation towards the cost of purchasing the desk and services.

For a SafePoint MultiDesk either (i) a £5000 contribution is required to be made (subject to demonstrating high demand for data access and a need for collaborative research working) or (ii) a £9600 contribution is required to be made by an organisation towards the cost of the desk and services.  

2. ESRC research costed grant
Organisations will be able to include costs for a SafePoint as part of ESRC research grants, subject to application and approval with the SafePod Network.  Contact the SafePod Network for further information and guidance.

3. Commercial purchase
Organisations can purchase a SafePoint outright for their own research purposes.  Contact the SafePod Network for further information and guidance.

Contact the SafePod NEtwork for further information and guidance on the funding and purchasing options.


7. APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND FURTHER INFORMATION
To make an application for a SafePoint follow the three steps below:

STEP 1: Determine funding and purchasing option
Determine the funding and purchasing option for your SafePoint as per section 6 above.

STEP 2: Read the Policy for SafePoint Ownership document
Please ensure you read through the Policy for SafePoint Ownership document before making an application for a SafePoint.  Pay particular attention to the section which details the organisation requirements for a SafePoint.  The document can be downloaded here.

STEP 3: Make a SafePoint application
To start the SafePoint application process click the button below.

LINK WILL BE AVAILABLE ONCE THE APPLICATION CALL IS OPEN

 

This form cannot be saved and will need to be completed in one go.  You may wish to download the application template beforehand to see the questions that are required to be answered.  The template is available here.

 

For more information about a SafePoint application contact the SafePod Network on 01334 463901 or email safepodnetwork@st-andrews.ac.uk.