Want to use the ONS LS for your research?

We'll check the LS is suitable

We will discuss with you the suitability of the ONS LS for your research. If the project is complex and we have questions we will suggest an online meeting.

Apply for researcher accreditation

You'll need to be a ‘full accredited researcher under the Digital Economy Act 2017’ before using the ONS LS. But if you’re not already, CeLSIUS will guide you through applying to become one.

Draft your application

We'll work with you to develop your application, which will involve completing a Project Application Form (Word) and a Supplementary form (Word). Drafting your application may take a few weeks. 

Information to include: your research abstract, the purpose and methodology, details of the datasets required, evidence of ethics consideration (contact CeLSIUS for further guidance) and a detailed list of the ONS LS variables required (which can be viewed in the CeLSIUS data dictionary).

Once you are happy with your application, and we're confident that your project stands a good chance of approval, we will submit the application on your behalf, as agreed with ONS.

Answer queries

The application is subject to initial feasibility and public good checks by the ONS and Data Owner approval is sought. ONS may request further information on the project (for example on the methodology), so researchers are sometimes asked for more details or clarification. Again, CeLSIUS will work with you to answer any queries and submit more information if necessary.

Wait for your project to be approved

The final decision on whether to approve a project is made by the UK Statistics Authority using a framework agreed and overseen by the Research Accreditation Panel (RAP). It usually takes around 8-10 weeks after the application is submitted to reach the RAP for a final decision.

Access your LS data!

Once your project has been approved, ONS checks that all your research team members are appropriately accredited for their roles in the project. CeLSIUS will then extract the data you require from the ONS LS database and place it in the designated project folder for you to access within a secure research setting. Providing all necessary application and accredited researcher forms have been completed by all members of the project team, as appropriate, it will take 2-3 weeks between having your project approved and being able to access your data.

Doing your ONS LS research explains what happens once your ONS LS research has begun.