Information Governance and Research Facilitation

Researchers in the School of Life and Medical Sciences (SLMS) who work with sensitive data should be aware of and comply with the SLMS Information Governance Framework.

Studies requesting data from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) may be required to submit an Information Governance Toolkit assessment. This is a requirement for Section 251 exemptions. In these cases, IT for SLMS can provide support and guidance on completing the IG Toolkit. More information about the SLMS IG Framework and supporting services can be found here:

• Information Governance and Research Facilitation

Researchers should be aware of the distinction between identifiable, pseudonymised and anonymous data as there's often an assumption that the last two are equivalent.

Further information on anonymisation is also provided by SLMS:

• Assessing Adequacy and De-indentification

Further information is also available from the Information Commissioner's Office anonymisation code of practice:

• Anonymisation (pdf)