SafePoint information and application procedures

INTRODUCTION

SafePoint is a new development from the SafePod Network to provide a low cost, scalable and standardised safe setting to organisations that require secure access to data for research.  SafePoint includes similar security controls to a SafePod.

A SafePoint comprises of:

  • A SafePod Network approved room
    This must be within an organisation’s building and meet SPN security and physical requirements as detailed in the Policy for SafePoint Ownership document.
     
  • 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.  Two desk models are available.

BENEFITS

The major benefits for SafePoint are as follows:

  • Security assurances ready: SafePoint meets the necessary security requirements required by Data Centres for organisations to have remote access to their data for research.
  • Simplicity: SafePoint offers organisations a simple plug in solution for secure access to data.
  • Improved research opportunities: SafePoint creates a secure data access point at an organisation, enabling greater opportunities for researchers to apply for and use data for research.
  • Data Centre multi-access platform: SPN Services provide Researchers with access to Trusted Research Environments from different Data Centres.
  • Scale and speed: A SafePoint can be set up quickly, enabling any approved organisation to have a secure data access point.
  • Collaborative research: A SafePoint enables up to four researchers the opportunity to collaboratively work together on their research.
  • Widens data access: SafePoint provides Data Centres with a standardised, secure and flexible solution to share their data more widely for research.
  • Future proofed: A SafePoint is future proofed to enable secure access to data using a variety of hardware and connection solutions.
  • Flexibility: An organisation can use a SafePoint for their own confidential research projects (subject to approval).

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 one 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 desks divided by a partition.  This supports up to two researchers each side working on different research projects.
  • One large collaboration desk.  The partition can be electronically lowered to transform the desk.  This enables up to four researchers to work on the same research project together.  Collaboration can be across the desk or monitors can be swivelled to allow Researchers to work closely 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, large 34" double monitors and a writing panel. 

Figure 1: Picture of a SafePoint MultiDesk - single desk mode.

Figure 2: Picture of a SafePoint MultiDesk - collaboration desk 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, large 34” double monitors and a writing panel.

Figure 3: Picture of a SafePoint Single Desk - exterior.
 

Figure 4: Picture of a 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.

SECURITY

Security features for both SafePoint Desk models include:

  • Standardised room, door and desk requirements for access to data.
  • Desk screen barrier to prevent oversight risk.
  • Locked secure cupboard for storage of SPN IT equipment.
  • CCTV camera for monitoring activity.
  • Monitor display protection.
  • Retractable barriers to help prevent unauthorised access to a SafePoint Desk.

DATA ACCESS

A SafePoint will provide secure access to data from Data Centre partners that have joined the SafePod Network and approved access to their data from SafePoints.  This is expected to include both the Office for National Statistics and the UK Data Service.  A list of SafePod Network Data Centre partners is available at:

https://safepodnetwork.ac.uk/data-centres 

Subject to SPN approval, an organisation will also be able to use their SafePoint to provide access to:

  • Data collected by their own organisation which requires secure access for research.
  • Data collected by other organisations which requires secure access for research.

PURCHASING OPTIONS

There are three purchasing options for a SafePoint as follows:

1. SafePoint ESRC grant funded model
Organisations can apply for part funding for a SafePoint to provide secure access to data for research.   As a condition of funding, an organisation must make their SafePoint accessible to internal and external researchers.

2. SafePoint ESRC grant costed model
Organisations can apply for a fully costed SafePoint as part of an ESRC research grant application where secure access to data is required for the research.

3. SafePoint outright purchase model
Organisations can apply to purchase a SafePoint which requires secure access to data for their own research.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

For further information about SafePoint and application procedures download the document below.

SafePoint information and application procedures

Link for the above document will be added when the SafePoint application call is available.  This is expected in March 2025.