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This service provides a technical solution for storing, handling and analysing identifiable data.
Updates
- The Future of the Data Safe Haven
The current system was designed over ten years ago. Its environment meets many research requirements, but it was not designed to support more modern data handling methodologies. The Centre for Advanced Research Computing (ARC) are building a new Trusted Research Environment (the "ARC TRE") to provide a modern computing environment with the additional flexibility and power to support those UCL researchers for whom the Data Safe Haven is limiting, providing the same level of Information Governance assurance. Development is under way and is being carried out in an iterative fashion, with new features being rolled out over time.
UCL ARC and ISD are committed to supporting the Data Safe Haven until the TRE is ready to take on all existing researchers. As new features are available in the TRE, research studies will be migrated in a controlled and supported manner. At this stage it is hard to put a timescale on this. Any changes will be fully supported with training and assistance.
About the ARC TRE
The ARC TRE is available at https://tre.arc.ucl.ac.uk/, where you can also find more information on how to use the environment. Certification of the ARC TRE to the ISO27001 information security standard and the NHS Digital's Information Governance Toolkit are planned in the first half of 2025.
We recommend and request that researchers wishing to use the ARC TRE contact the team, so that we can discuss how best to support you, and help you through onboarding and early usage of the environment.
The Information Governance assurance process is the required starting point for both the DSH and the ARC TRE. Unless you are certain that your proposed research cannot use the ARC TRE, please answer Yes to the question "Are you interested in using the Advanced Research Computing Trusted Research Environment (ARC TRE) for this research?" during the process. The team will then be able to make a suitable recommendation.
DSH Service Portals
Portal for secure transfer of data into the Data Safe Haven.
Portal for secure handling of data using applications available in the Data Safe Haven and Securely transferring data out of the system.
Self-Service Console - For changing your password using your existing one
Reset Password Console - For resetting your password when existing one forgotten or does not work
Emergency Access Console - For an emergency code when you have no access to your token or authenticator app
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If you can't find what you are looking for you can also send us a message on the above Support portal using the "Data Safe Haven - General DSH Enquiry" form.
Overview
The Data Safe Haven has been certified to the ISO27001 information security standard and conforms to NHS Digital's Information Governance Toolkit. Built using a walled garden approach, where the data is stored, processed and managed within the security of the system, the DSH avoids the complexity of assured end point encryption. A file transfer mechanism enables information to be transferred into the walled garden simply and securely.
Getting started with the Data Safe Haven
Before requesting access to the Data Safe Haven you must complete the Information Governance assurance process. You will be required to complete approved training on data security, which will involve enrolling and completing the NHS Digital’s Data Security Awareness (NHSD) course. Once you have completed this course and completed the Information Governance assurance process you may request access using the self-service forms. Use the search box and the search term 'Data Safe Haven'. Requests can only be made by the Information Asset Owner or their nominated Information Asset Administrator.
The Future of the Data Safe Haven
The current system was designed over ten years ago. Its environment meets many research requirements, but it was not designed to support more modern data handling methodologies. The Centre for Advanced Research Computing (ARC) are building a new Trusted Research Environment (the "ARC TRE") to provide a modern computing environment with the additional flexibility and power to support those UCL researchers for whom the Data Safe Haven is limiting, providing the same level of Information Governance assurance. Development is under way and is being carried out in an iterative fashion, with new features being rolled out over time.
UCL ARC and ISD are committed to supporting the Data Safe Haven until the TRE is ready to take on all existing researchers. As new features are available in the TRE, research studies will be migrated in a controlled and supported manner. At this stage it is hard to put a timescale on this. Any changes will be fully supported with training and assistance.
About the ARC TRE
The ARC TRE is available at https://tre.arc.ucl.ac.uk/, where you can also find more information on how to use the environment. Certification of the ARC TRE to the ISO27001 information security standard and the NHS Digital's Information Governance Toolkit are planned in the first half of 2025.
We recommend and request that researchers wishing to use the ARC TRE contact the team, so that we can discuss how best to support you, and help you through onboarding and early usage of the environment.
The Information Governance assurance process is the required starting point for both the DSH and the ARC TRE. Unless you are certain that your proposed research cannot use the ARC TRE, please answer Yes to the question "Are you interested in using the Advanced Research Computing Trusted Research Environment (ARC TRE) for this research?" during the process. The team will then be able to make a suitable recommendation.