About the Healthy and Sustainable Places Data Service

1. Introduction

The Healthy and Sustainable Places Data Service is part of Smart Data Research UK, the UK’s national programme for smart data research.

We provide safe and secure access to diverse and high-quality smart data to help researchers better understand and improve health, lifestyles, food and mobility patterns.

2. The Five Safes Framework

We adhere to the Five Safes framework to keep data safe. 

Developed by the Office for National Statistics and other providers, the Five Safes serves as best practice in data protection while also balancing requirements for open science and transparency.

These protocols, which researchers and their organisations must adhere to, provide complete assurance for data owners. The Five Safes are:

• Safe People
  Trained and accredited researchers, trusted to use data appropriately.
• Safe Projects
  Data are only used for valuable, ethical research that delivers clear public benefits.
• Safe Settings
  Access to data is only possible using our secure technology systems.
• Safe Data
  Researchers can only use data that have been de-identified.
• Safe Outputs
  All research outputs are checked to ensure they cannot identify data subjects.

3. Accessing our data

Data in tier 0 and tier 1 are available to all registered users through a simple download process, via this site.

Those wishing to use data in tier 2, 3 and 4, must be registered users who meet the following criteria:

• Complete the HASP application process
• Demonstrate that they have the technical skills to use the data, either through academic qualifications or practical research experience;
• Complete the Safe Researcher Training course and pass the assessment at the end;
• Sign an agreement promising to protect the confidentiality of data at all times

Tier 2, 3 and 4 operate within the Leeds Analytic Secure Environment for Research (LASER) a cloud-based Trusted Research Environment that is managed and maintained by the University of Leeds.