Secure Research Service Conference

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) delivers a range of events designed for the research community, bringing together researchers, data owners, government representatives and policy makers every year.

A flagship event in the calendar is the in person Secure Research Service (SRS) Conference, formerly known as Research Capability. The conference provides opportunities to hear from keynote speakers, take part in interactive workshops and Data Spotlight Talks, and connect with colleagues from across the sector.

This free, in-person conference will take place on Tuesday 24 November in Bloomsbury, London, bringing together Secure Research Service (SRS) users, prospective users, data owners, government analysts, policymakers and research partners to celebrate research excellence, share insights, and build connections. The conference will highlight how the SRS enables secure access to data and supports research that delivers real-world impact.

Enabling research for the public good

This year's theme, "Enabling research for the public good", recognises the people, partnerships, data and services that underpin research. This includes the ongoing partnership between the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK), whose investment has helped grow the SRS and widen access to linked administrative data for research.

From providing secure access to data and developing new linked datasets, to supporting researchers and showcasing impact, the conference will explore how we can continue to enable research that improves understanding, informs policy and delivers benefits to society.

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Keynote speaker

We are pleased to welcome Helen Miller, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).

Helen has almost two decades of experience analysing UK fiscal policy and providing trusted advice to policymakers.

Her work has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals and featured across major media outlets. She is a prominent voice in public discussions, known for translating complex issues and evidence into practical implications.

The power of data

Helen will showcase examples of IFS research that has used SRS data to inform public policy, and explore how future developments in data access and linkage could create new opportunities for research for the public good.

What to expect

In addition to the keynote speech, delegates can look forward to:

• complimentary lunch and networking opportunities
• interactive workshops and Data Spotlight Talks
• exhibition stalls from SRS teams, ADR UK, and other partner organisations
• opportunities to connect with the wider SRS community

The full conference agenda is available on the Eventbrite page.

Morning workshops

During the morning session, delegates can choose from a range of interactive workshops. Please select one workshop when booking your ticket.

1. Research to policy and practice: strengthening pathways to impact

This workshop focuses on how research using secure administrative data can contribute to the public good and policy. The session explores how to maximise research impact through stakeholder engagement and communication.

Led by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK), participants will learn how to redesign research through a policy and practice lens, engage important stakeholders throughout the project's lifecycle, and communicate findings effectively.

Through discussion and breakout sessions, participants will share experiences and consider practical ways to draw out policy and practice insights.

2. Improving the SRS: understanding and shaping the user experience

This discussion-led workshop will explore how the SRS is delivering targeted improvements to enhance the overall user experience. It will cover the journey so far, the changes already implemented, and the benefits these are bringing to users, as well as upcoming developments and how these align with wider priorities. The session will also include a deep dive into the Project Accreditation Service for the SRS (PASS), highlighting recent improvements, future developments and opportunities for user feedback.

Designed to be interactive, the workshop will include group activities and discussions, giving participants the opportunity to share their experiences, explore common challenges, and engage directly with SRS experts. Feedback gathered will help shape the next phase of SRS development.

3. Future technology and the evolving SRS: capturing the voice of the user

This user-focused workshop will explore the future technology development of the SRS, the UK's largest Trusted Research Environment. As demand for the SRS grows, we are undertaking a discovery phase to understand user needs and shape the service's future direction. Participants will be invited to share their experiences, identify opportunities for improvement, and help ensure the next phase of SRS development is informed by the voice of the user.

4. Using the SRS in practice: tackling common challenges

This workshop will provide a technical, practice-focused exploration of the specialist and less well-understood aspects of using the SRS. It will focus on areas where researchers often encounter challenges, such as access and accreditation, statistical disclosure control, applications, and data requests.

Through interactive discussions with SRS specialists and fellow researchers, delegates will have the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions, and explore practical ways to work more effectively within the service. The session will provide useful insights, strengthen understanding of important processes, and help users make the most of the support available.

5. Communities of practice – ADR UK

This interactive workshop will explore how communities of practice can support collaboration, knowledge sharing and capability building across the research community.

Focusing on engagement with academic researchers, the session will examine how communities currently operate, what works well, and where there are opportunities to strengthen collaboration in the future.

Through discussion and shared experiences, participants will consider how communities can better support research using secure administrative data and identify practical ways to build more connected and effective networks.

Afternoon Data Spotlight Talks

During the afternoon, delegates can choose from a range of Data Spotlight Talks. Please select one talk when booking your ticket.

1. Census and linked data

This session will provide an overview of census data, including standalone datasets and important linkages across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

It will explore how secure census microdata can be accessed and used, with examples of research and impact. The session will also highlight major linked datasets, such as the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) linked to census data, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Register linked to census data, as well as datasets incorporating census extracts.

We will also look at recent and upcoming developments, including new linkages and early thinking around Census 2031, with contributions from data owners and expert users.

2. Better Economic Data: shaping the future of economic research

This session will explore the next phase of ADR UK’s Better Economic Data programme, and its potential to support research in the public good.

Led by the newly appointed ADR UK academic team being announced in September, the session will outline plans to develop and enhance flagship economic datasets, strengthen collaboration between researchers and data owners, and increase opportunities for research using linked administrative data.

The session will also introduce developments relating to the Linked Employer-Employee Dataset (LEED) and explore how enhanced economic data resources could support new insights into employment, earnings, businesses and the wider economy.

3. Kids' Environment and Health Cohort (KEHC)

This session will introduce the Kids' Environment and Health Cohort (KEHC), highlighting how complex data linkage across multiple government sources enables new opportunities for research.

Led by the KEHC project team, the talk will showcase example studies and demonstrate the potential of the dataset for research, including emerging use cases and future development opportunities.

The session will also provide insight into the challenges and successes of linking complex datasets, with input from linkage specialists, that position KEHC as an important ADR UK flagship dataset.

4. Ministry of Justice Data First: improving the researcher journey

At last year’s conference, researchers shared feedback on their experience of discovering, accessing and using data in the SRS. This session will show how this feedback has influenced the expansion of Data First, and the changes we are making to improve the researcher journey.

The Ministry of Justice Data First team will highlight our latest data refresh and the work under way to expand and improve the quality and usability of the data available to researchers. We will also share how feedback has informed improvements to our guidance and documentation, helping researchers better understand and make effective use of the data.

We will also outline how we are working with the ONS and ADR UK to address wider challenges raised by researchers and improve the researcher journey, from discovering and understanding the data to applying for access and carrying out research in the public good.

The session will showcase the progress made since last year’s conference and provide an opportunity to continue the conversation about how Data First can better meet the needs of the research community.

5. Exploring education data: the National Pupil Database

This session will introduce the National Pupil Database (NPD) as it becomes available for research under the Digital Economy Act. It will provide an overview of the scope and structure of the dataset, including important education records and its potential to support longitudinal research.

The session will outline what researchers can expect from the initial release, including access arrangements and governance considerations. It will also explore opportunities to link education data with other datasets, such as health, business and labour market data, to enable richer insights into education pathways and outcomes.

Spaces are limited for the workshops and Data Spotlight Talks. If a session is full, it will not appear in the booking list. In that instance, please select your next preferred available session.

Tickets are free but places are limited. Secure your place and book now.

Celebrate the ONS Research Excellence Awards with us

The SRS Conference will celebrate the winners of the ONS Research Excellence Awards 2026.

These awards recognise outstanding and innovative analyses using ONS-owned or managed data and showcase the value that secure access to data can deliver. From influencing policy and improving public services to advancing methods and creating new data resources, the awards highlight research that is making a difference.

The ceremony provides an opportunity to hear from award winners and learn more about the impact of their research. Join us as we recognise the individuals and teams whose work exemplifies this year's theme, "Enabling research for the public good".

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Research Capability 2025 took place on Thursday 4 December 2025 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, St Paul's, London. The conference brought together researchers, data owners, government representatives and policymakers to celebrate research excellence and explore how the Office for National Statistics (ONS) owned or managed data can support research for the public good.

The event featured a keynote speech from Alan Smith OBE, Head of Visual and Data Journalism at the Financial Times, who shared insights on the role of data and storytelling in improving public understanding and driving societal impact.

Delegates took part in workshops delivered by the ONS, UK Statistics Authority, Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK), Data and Analytics Research Environments UK (DARE UK) and the Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN), alongside networking opportunities with colleagues from across the research community.

The conference also hosted the Research Excellence Awards 2025, recognising innovative and impactful use of ONS data and showcasing best practice in methods, data matching and data linkage. The event attracted strong attendance and engagement from the research community.

Building on the success of previous Research Capability events, the SRS Conference 2026 will continue to bring together the research community to share knowledge, showcase innovation and explore the future of trusted research.

If you have any questions about research events at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), please email srs.engagement.team@ons.gov.uk