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 for organisations that require secure data access 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.
     

MAJOR BENEFITS

The major benefits for SafePoint are as follows:

  • Security controls ready: SafePoint meets the necessary security control requirements required by Data Centres for secure access to their data.
  • Improved research opportunities: SafePoint can be installed at a Researcher's Organisation, enabling Researchers greater opportunities to apply for and use data for research.
  • Multi-access data platform: SafePoint provide Researchers with access to data from different Data Centres Trusted Research Environments.
  • Simplicity: SafePoint offers organisations a simple plug in safe setting solution for secure data access.
  • Scale and speed: A SafePoint can be set up quickly, enabling any approved research organisation to have a ready-made standardised safe setting.
  • Collaborative research: A SafePoint can enable up to four researchers to work collaboratively on their research.
  • Widens data access: SafePoint provide 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 data access 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
A 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.  It includes screen barrier, secure cupboards, monitor security system (for protecting information on the screens), CCTV cameras, large 34” double monitors and a writing panel.

A SafePoint MultiDesk has two modes and can be operated as either:

  • Two independent single 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.

Figure 1: Picture of a SafePoint MultiDesk - single desks 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 adjustable desk, secure cupboards, monitor security system (for protecting information on the screens), CCTV camera, large 34” double monitors and a writing panel.

Figure 3: Exterior of a SafePoint Single Desk.
 

Figure 4: Interior of a SafePoint Single Desk.
 

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.
 

SAFEPOINT SECURITY

Security features for SafePoint include:

  • Local Coordinator management
  • Standardised policies and procedures.
  • 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 Security System.
  • Retractable barriers to help prevent unauthorised access to a SafePoint Desk.
     

SPN IT SYSTEM

A hardened SPN IT system is stored securely into a SafePoint Desk.  The IT system provides a secure remote link to a Data Centre’s Trusted Research Environment to enable a Researcher to access their project data.  A menu page on the monitor inside an SPN Service provides Data Centre connection options.
 

DATA ACCESS

A SafePoint can provide secure access to data from Data Centre partners that have joined the SafePod Network.  This will include both the Office for National Statistics and the UK Data Service. 

Subject to SPN approval, a SafePoint can also be used for:

  • Access to data collected as part of an internal research project at a SafePod Network Organisation, and which requires secure access.
  • Access to data collected by other organisations as part of an internal research project at a SafePod Network Organisation, and which requires secure access.
     

SAFEPOINT 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 where secure access to data is required for their own research.

Further details on the SafePoint purchasing options are detailed in the SafePod Application Document.
 

SAFEPOINT APPLICATION PROCEDURES

To make a SafePoint application, click the link below to download the SafePoint Application Document.  All other supporting documentation below should also be downloaded and read prior to submitting a SafePoint application. 

1. Introduction to the SafePod Network - PDF
Provides a summary overview of the SafePod Network.

2. Policy and Terms for SafePoint Ownership - PDF
Provides the terms and requirements for the set up and management of a SafePoint. Version 1.15.

3. SafePoint Desk drawings - PDF
Provides the drawings and measurements for the SafePoint Desks.

3. SafePoint Application Reference Questions - PDF
Provides the SafePoint Application questions for review before making an application.

4. SafePoint Application Document - PDF
Provides information on the SafePoint application procedures and purchasing options.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information or enquiries about SafePoint and the application call, contact the SafePod Network at safepodnetwork@st-andrews.ac.uk or phone 01334 463901.