We are currently inviting all Accredited Researchers, new and old, to provide feedback on the service we provide, by completing a short survey.
The survey closes on Friday 10 March 2023.
About the survey
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) provides access to a wealth of data through the Secure Research Service (SRS) for important research that delivers public good.
Research that you carry out in the SRS, and the subsequent outcomes, inform a diverse range of economic or societal issues, making a difference in people's lives.
We established the Annual User Experience Survey to provide you with a direct opportunity to have your say on our service. This offers you a platform to provide anonymous feedback, which will enable us to implement future service developments to greater meet your needs.
As we look to develop the future of data access, your feedback is valued now more than ever.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact: IDS.Impact@ons.gov.uk
"Hearing from you, as valued members of our research community, helps us to make better informed decisions on improving the service we offer. I hope that you complete this survey, and provide feedback that will help shape the future of your data access."
Bill South, Director of Research Services and Data Access
Overview of 2022 results
Last year we asked about your data needs. You asked to see further data around the theme of Education and Young People. You also expressed desire for data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). We are excited to bring you exciting new data sources in 2023.
You were unsure around the self-data ingest process and project application times. In our November and December SRS Newsletters, we published our first 'SRS Explained series', which provides an overview of the constraints of operating this part of our service.
You named sectors where you had experienced collaboration. You noted the difficulty in actively collaborating, because of the closed secure working environment, and highlighted a desire to "see" data before gaining access to the SRS, via the use of synthetic data. We are currently in the process of working on exciting new developments to help address this.
You mentioned that working in the SRS had enabled you to gain enhanced statistical disclosure control awareness and data management.
You suggested developments to our engagement activities. We have since improved both the layout and content of our monthly SRS Newsletter. We have increased social media activity (across @ONSfocus and @ADR_UK), and updated our ONS webpages – which are now maintained on a far more regular basis. We have also increased opportunities to learn first-hand how your peers are using our owned or managed data.