The University of Liverpool SafePod

The University of Liverpool SafePod is one 25 SafePods spread geographically across the UK, which collectively form the SafePod Network (SPN). The SPN is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and run by the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research as part of the ADR UK programme.

What is a SafePod?

A SafePod provides accredited researchers with a carefully controlled safe setting via which they can access sensitive datasets for pre-approved research purposes. Features of the SafePod include 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 wheelchair accessible and includes a height adjustable desk.

The University of Liverpool SafePod is one 25 SafePods spread geographically across the UK, which collectively form the SafePod Network (SPN). The SPN is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and run by the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research as part of the ADR UK programme. 

Available datasets

A wealth of government, study and survey datasets are available for secure access from SafePods. These include datasets from:

How can I access a dataset via the SafePod?

  • Identify the Data Centre that hosts the dataset you are interested in. It must be a member of the SafePod Network.
  • If you don’t have it already, gain Approved Researcher status, which will typically involve providing your bona fides as a researcher and passing a training course in the handling of sensitive data. See relevant Data Centre website for details. 
  • Obtain Project Approval for research utilising the dataset from the Data Centre.
  • Register as a researcher with the SafePod Network. Registration will involve completing a short online questionnaire on SafePod Network User policies.
  • Once your registration is complete, make a booking request for the University of Liverpool 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.
  • On the day of the booking come to the reception desk located on the ground floor of the Roxby Building and ask for the SafePod Coordinator, bringing with you as photo ID either a passport or a driver’s license.

SafePod location and opening hours. 

The University of Liverpool SafePod is located in the Roxby Building. (Building 107 [Square E2] on the University Campus Map.) Access to the SafePod is available 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. 

More information

See the websites of the data centres for further information about the datasets available, researcher accreditation, the ‘secure research’ training required and the process of applying for permission to obtain secure access a specific dataset:

For more information about the University of Liverpool SafePod, please contact Alison Barkley (safepod@liverpool.ac.uk; tel: 0151 795 1099).  

Further information about the wider SafePod Network can be found at www.safepodnetwork.ac.uk.

Back to: Department of Geography and Planning