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Join

Researchers

A researcher that wishes to join the SPN and use a SafePod to access their project datasets from a participating Data Centre must first register with the SPN and agree to the terms of use.  A short online training questionnaire covering the SPN User Agreement will also need to be completed before a SafePod can be booked and used.  Further details about the researcher registration process is available here.

BENEFITS

  • SafePod provides local access to data, removing the time, travel and cost for a researcher to attend one of the few dedicated safe settings in the UK.
  • SafePods provide researchers with access to multiple different Data Centre's data in the UK including the Office for National Statistics, the UK Data Service and SAIL Databank. A full list of SPN Data Centres is here.
  • SafePods can be booked for dates and times convenient for a researcher.
  • SafePods offer a comfortable environment for a researcher to work in.
  • A researcher can book and use any SafePod in the network for access to their project data.

Once registered and approved by the SPN, a researcher will need to agree to the SafePod terms of use and pass a training questionnaire before being able to book and use a SafePod.  Further details about the researcher registration process is available here. 

JOINING DETAILS: By registering with the SPN

Safepod Organisations 

An organisation that wishes to own a SafePod and be part of the SPN must contact the SPN User Support Service for application procedures. 

BENEFITS

  • A SafePod provides an organisation with their own dedicated safe setting facility.
  • A SafePod provides researchers with access to their project datasets from the major Data Centres across the UK including the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service and SAIL Databank.
  • There is minimum resource requirement by an organisation for the management and operation of a SafePod.
  • Hosting a SafePod is likely to encourage local researchers to apply for and use datasets for important public benefit research.
  • The SPN website provides organisations with a secure and easy to use management system for their SafePod. 
  • A SafePod can potentially be used for other confidential and other sensitive work by an organisation.

JOINING DETAILS: By contacting the SPN

Data Centres

A Data Centre that wishes to provide access to their datasets through the SPN, must contact the SPN for application procedures.

BENEFITS

  • SafePods provide a Data Centre with a low cost and secure network of SafePods to widen access to their data for public benefit research across the UK.
  • SafePods and their associated policies and procedures are all standardised.  An accreditation of a single SafePod is all that is required by a Data Centre to accredit all SafePods in the network.
  • Removes the need for a Data Centre to audit and have agreements with individual organisations.  All assurances and security controls for SafePods are provided by the SafePod Network.
  • SafePods provide a secure IT system for remote connection to a Data Centre for a researcher to access their project datasets. 
  • The SPN website provides a secure and easy to use system for Data Centres to authorise SafePod bookings, and check that SafePod security procedures are adhered with.

Once approved by the SPN, a Data Centre will be able to provide their researchers with access to their project data from SafePods. 

JOINING DETAILS: By contacting the SPN

members of the public

Members of the public can register to keep up to date with SPN news and events.

JOINING DETAILS: By registering with the SPN