RDS Metadata Catalogue
Search public sector datasets about people, places and businesses to request access for research.
Pre-application checklist
Use this checklist to understand what is involved in a data access request and how to complete the initial enquiry form.
Accreditation
Are you a researcher from an approved organisation?
You should remain affiliated with an approved organisation throughout your project and all necessary training kept up to date.
- Read more about researcher approvals and training
All researchers are required to demonstrate appropriate Information Governance training and you must be affiliated with an approved organisation.
- Read more about researcher approvals and training
Project overview
Are you able to clearly describe your research project and the public benefit it will have?
Ensure you provide information on data you wish to access for your research. eDRIS can advise you on the permissions required and correct processes.
- Find more info on eDRIS researcher support services
You can search available datasets in the RDS Metadata Catalogue and elsewhere.
- Discover datasets through our Metadata Catalogue
Funding
Most projects will require funding to cover the costs of eDRIS services. Have you factored this into your planning?
eDRIS calculate a charge for research coordination services depending on scale and complexity of projects, and can provide cost estimates to support funding applications.
- Please read the eDRIS pricing information for more guidance
Grant funding is available from various sources and eDRIS can provide a cost estimate to support a funding application.
eDRIS support services
Does your proposal require any of the following services from the eDRIS team: supplying data listed in the RDS Metadata Catalogue, assisting with data linkage or hosting data in the Scottish National Safe Haven?
On your Enquiry Form, please detail the help you may require for data provision, data linkage and/or data hosting.
- Find out more about eDRIS researcher support services
If your proposal does not require use of the Scottish National Safe Haven or access to linked national datasets listed in the RDS Metadata Catalogue, then you may only require minimal eDRIS support with submitting an application to a Public Benefit & Privacy Panel.
- Read more about eDRIS researcher support services
Different approval pathways
Have you considered whether your application can be made through the Researcher Access Service (RAS) Approval Pathway or if it requires approval from a Public Benefit and Privacy Panel (PBPP)?
When you submit an enquiry form, a member of the eDRIS team will confirm which pathway your application can progress through.
- Begin an enquiry for your data project
Don't worry if you're unsure which pathway suits your data needs. For both pathways, you’ll start by submitting an enquiry. The eDRIS team will then guide you through the appropriate pathway once your enquiry has been assessed.
- View the criteria for the Researcher Access Service (RAS) Approval Pathway.
- Find out more about the Public Benefit and Privacy Panel (PBPP) Approval Pathway.
Begin an enquiry
Ready to submit a request to access secure datasets? Complete an enquiry form to kickstart your application.
Data access overview
Find out more about the process of applying for access to secure datasets
Terminology for Researchers
Explore definitions and terms relating to acessing public sector data.