Access the Integrated Data Service

Conditions for accessing the Integrated Data Service (IDS) will be similar to the Secure Research Service (SRS). For example, you must ensure that you are an accredited researcher, working on an accredited project, by visiting our Become an accredited researcher webpage. The means of access will differ slightly as the infrastructure for the IDS is cloud-based as opposed to the Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI) used for the SRS. All transitioned users from the SRS will be provided with user guidance to explain how to access the IDS.

Users will be able to access the IDS using Safepods in much the same way as they currently access the SRS. We are actively working on ensuring that Safepods are compatible with the new web security solution for the IDS.

In the short-term, timescales for activities such as project applications, data access, and output checking will remain similar to those in the SRS. The longer-term plan for the IDS will involve different “channels” of access for government and non-government users.

In some cases, badged government analysts who have additional security and access requirements in place as part of their roles, and who are accessing datasets with pre-approved access arrangements will have a simplified user journey, which will cut down the time and the number of approvals required to work in the IDS.

Non-government users will also see an improvement in timescales via the benefit of increased capability for collaboration and code-sharing, self-service options and automation afforded by the new cloud-based infrastructure of IDS.

Existing Assured Organisational Connectivity (AOC) agreements currently in place for the SRS will carry over to the IDS, and organisations will be contacted directly about any updates required to existing agreements or infrastructure. These are not expected to be substantial.

As with the SRS, users connecting via AOC must use an approved device and VPN supplied by their organisation. Users must ensure these devices have updated antivirus, antimalware, and firewall software from a trusted provider on their device. Users may not access IDS with a personal device.

We are looking at streamlining the AOC process in the future for IDS and will keep users and organisations posted on any developments.

Home access to the SRS is subject to data owner approval, and this will continue for the IDS. Engagement with all SRS data owners is ongoing about the transition from SRS to IDS, however this is not expected to change any existing home access agreements for datasets used in SRS projects transitioning to IDS.

Only accredited researchers and badged government analysts will have access to the IDS. Collaboration options can be discussed on a case-by-case basis when setting up a project in the IDS. Options for collaboration will be dependent on the organisations, users and data involved.

If the information you are looking for does not already exist on these pages, you can contact the SRS Customer Support team for more information by email at srs.customer.support@ons.gov.uk.