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What is a SafePod?
A SafePod is a standardised safe setting that provides the necessary security for a researcher to access sensitive datasets from participating Data Centres across the UK. The SafePod includes a door control access system, CCTV, a researcher area for the analysis of datasets and a separate secure storage area for IT equipment. The SafePod is also wheelchair accessible and includes a height adjustable desk.
The SafePod at Lancaster University is part of the SafePod Network (SPN), and is funded by the Data Science Institute. A total of 25 SafePods will make up the SafePod Network, spread geographically across the UK. This network will remove the need for long-distance travel to a dedicated safe setting provided by a data centre.
The SPN is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and run by the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research. Both are part of the ADR UK programme. SafePod is a registered trademark of the University of St Andrews’ University.
Data centres
All SafePods operate under standardised policies and procedures and provide approved researchers with access to their project datasets from Data Centres participating in the SafePod Network. So far, this includes:
- UK Data Service
- SAIL Databank
- Office for National Statistics
- Scottish Government
- Health and Social Care Northern Ireland (HSCNI)
- National Records of Scotland (NRS)
A Researcher at a SafePod Organisation can also use a SafePod for local confidential or sensitive work, subject to approval from the SafePod Network.
Why choose the SafePod over other secure data settings?
“Being able to access datasets in the SafePod gave me the opportunity to work in a quiet and secure environment with excellent and reliable computing power. Having a big screen was also a huge improvement on my small home laptop screen!” – Sarah Knight
The SafePod allows access to data from different data centres in one place on campus, removing the need to travel long distances to access data and the costs this incurs. Once you are registered with the SafePod network, you will be able to access secure datasets from every SafePod in the SafePod network.
The SafePod is also a quiet and comfortable environment to work in, featuring a height-adjustable desk, two large monitors, an air filtration system, locker storage space and adjustable lighting. The SafePod can be used by two researchers at the same time (subject to approval from the data centre).
The SafePod network also features an easy-to-use booking system, with approved bookings coordinated by trained staff in the Library.
How to access the SafePod
Bookings to access the SafePod are made via the SafePod Network’s website. To access the SafePod please follow the steps below:
- Register as a researcher with the SPN. Registration will involve completing a short online questionnaire on SPN User policies.
- Once your registration is complete, make a booking request for Lancaster University's SafePod from the SafePod Network website.
- Your SafePod booking request will then be sent to your chosen Data Centre. If approved, a booking confirmation email will then be sent to you.
Bookings must be received by the Lancaster University SafePod Coordinators a minimum of three working days before the date the SafePod is required. Booking requests go to the Data Centre for approval before they reach the Lancaster University SafePod Coordinators, so please factor this in when planning your SafePod booking.
On the day of the booking come to the Service Desk by the Entrance of Library A floor and ask for the on-duty SafePod Coordinator. Please ensure you bring valid identification with you and follow the instructions provided in the booking confirmation email for use of the SafePod.
Location and opening times
Hours of opening: Monday - Friday, 9.30am-4.00pm.
The SafePod is located on A floor of the University Library.