Library and Learning Services

SafePod

The University of Leicester's SafePod provides a safe setting for researchers to access sensitive datasets.

The SafePod Network

The SafePod Network (SPN) provides researchers with access to SafePods across the UK.

The SPN is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and is part of the Administrative Data Research UK programme. 

What is a SafePod?

A SafePod is a standardised safe setting that provides the security and controls for data that requires secure access for research. The SafePod has a door control access system, CCTV, a researcher area for dataset analysis, a height adjustable desk and chair, and a secure locker.

All SafePods operate under standardised policies and procedures providing approved researchers access to their project datasets from Data Centres that join the SPN.

The major advantage of using a SafePod is that a researcher can securely access different data centre datasets from a single location, removing the need to travel to a dedicated safe setting provided by a data centre.

Find out more about SafePods from the SafePod Network website.

Available data centres 

  • Health and Social Care Northern Ireland
  • Leeds Institute for Data Analytics
  • Luxemburg Income Study Data Center (LIS) 
  • National Records of Scotland
  • Office for National Statistics
  • SAIL Databank
  • Scottish Government
  • UK Data Service

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

Registering to use the SafePod

Before a SafePod can be booked and used to access project datasets, researchers must register with the SPN and agree to the SPN user agreement. Researchers must also be engaged in a research project with an SPN Data Centre.

Access and conditions to use a SafePod are controlled by each data centre.

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

  • 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.
  • Bookings will be confirmed by the SPN, along with any instructions on using the SafePod as determined by the Data Centre providing the data being accessed.

On arrival

  • Report to the Information Hub in the Library with details of the booking and Photo ID (either a valid passport or valid driving licence)
  • Access to the SafePod will then be co-ordinated by trained Library staff

On departure

  • The session will finish no later than the time stated on the booking confirmation email
  • Ensure that the researcher area is left tidy, and remove any items from the secure locker
  • Return the access card to 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 the SafePod User Agreement: A booked session can be terminated by the Library if the researcher is more than 15 minutes late for the initial booking, or if the researcher is more than 30 minutes late following a notification to the Library that they are going to be late.

Cancelling a booking

  • Researchers should be mindful of only making a booking they plan to attend.
  • If a cancellation is required by the researcher, they are able to do this on researchers portal on the SPN website.

Contact the SafePod Network

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