Library and Learning Services

SafePod

What is a SafePod?

The University of Leicester's SafePod provides approved researchers access to sensitive data, from data centres that are part of the the SafePod Network (SPN).

All SafePods are remotely managed by the SafePod Network and operate under standardised policies.

Available data centres 

Links to the available data centres, can be found on the SafePod website

  • HBS: Health and Social Care Northern Ireland: Honest Broker Service
  • LIDA: Leeds Institute for Data Analytics
  • LIS: Luxembourg Income Study Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg
  • NRS: National Records of Scotland 
  • ONS: Office for National Statistics
  • SAIL: Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank
  • gov.scot: Scottish Government
  • UKDS: UK Data Service

Access and conditions are set and controlled by each data centre.

Registering to use the SafePod

Before a SafePod can be booked and used, researchers must be approved by the SafePod Network (SPN), therefore they must register with the SafePod Network and agree to the SPN user agreement.  

Accessing the SafePod

The University of Leicester’s SafePod is located on the ground floor of the David Wilson Library and is available Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm (excluding bank holidays and University closure days).

Before arrival

  • The approved researcher must book the SafePod through the SafePod Network website. Bookings should be made by the researcher as soon as practically possible, giving a minimum of three working days between the booking request and the booking date.
  • The SPN Network will confirmed any bookings by email, along with any instructions on using the SafePod as determined by the data centre providing the data being accessed.

On arrival

  • The researcher should report to the Information Hub in the Library just before the booking begins and produce physical Photo ID: either a valid passport or valid driving licence. Please note the booking cannot go ahead without this ID.
  • The SafePod Coordinator will then oversee access to the SafePod

On departure

  • The researcher can finish their session any time up to the time stated on the booking confirmation email
  • The researcher should ensure that they have left the space tidy, and have removed any items from the secure locker
  • The researcher should return the access card to Library staff based at the Information Hub

Running late

  • Researchers must contact the library as soon as possible, either by calling 0116 252 2448 or emailing LI-SafePod@leicester.ac.uk if they are going to be late.
  • As outlined in section 7.3.2 of the SafePod User Agreement a booked session can be terminated by the Library is the researcher is late: Where a researcher has advised the Library they are going to be late, they will be permitted to arrive up to 30 minutes after the booking starts. Where the researcher has not advised the Library the booking can be terminated 15 minutes after the booking starts. 

Cancelling a booking

  • Researchers should be mindful of only making a booking they plan to attend.
  • If the researcher needs to cancel their bookings, they should do this as soon as possible, via the researchers portal on the SPN website.

Contact the SafePod Network

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