SafePoint research
SafePod Network
We have partnered with The SafePod Network (SPN), a major research innovation in the UK, to provide our researchers with local access to government, administrative and other sensitive data for research purposes.
SafePod Network
What is a SafePoint?
A SafePoint is a custom-built desk located in a SPN approved room within an organisation's building, that provides the physical security and controls for researchers to have local access to their project data. Security controls include a door control access system, CCTV and monitor security.
All SafePods and SafePoints operate under standardised policies and provide approved researchers with access to their project data from data centres that have joined the SPN, including the Office for National Statistics and the UK Data Service.
If you're an approved researcher at UWE Bristol, you can access our SafePoint to support your research.
Access secure data
The major advantage of a SafePoint for a researcher is that a wide range of data can be securely accessed locally, removing the geographical, time and cost barriers that have typically been associated with a researcher attending one of the few dedicated safe settings across the UK.
A wealth of data from different data centres is available from a SafePoint (subject to approval), including data from:
- Office for National Statistics Secure Research Service
- UK Data Service
- SAIL Databank
- Scottish Government
- National Records of Scotland
- Health and Social Care Northern Ireland
- LIS Cross-National Data Center
- Linked data created by Administrative Data Research UK projects.
Independent or collaborative research
Other data centres are expected to join the SPN to provide access to their data over time.
The SafePoint at UWE Bristol contains a MultiDesk and is designed to support both independent and collaborative research. The desk operates in two modes:
- Two separate single desks divided by an electronic partition, supporting up to two researchers on each side.
- One large collaboration desk where the electronic partition is lowered, enabling up to four researchers to work on the same approved research project.
How to access SafePoint
To access the SafePoint, you must:
- ensure you're an approved researcher at UWE Bristol.
- have an approved project with a data centre that's part of the SPN.
- register as a researcher with the SPN.
SafePoint booking
Once you're registered, you can make a booking request to access SafePoint through the SPN website.
You'll receive a booking confirmation email from SPN that you need to access the SafePoint. Researchers without a valid booking confirmation will not be granted access to the SafePoint.
Proof of identification
Make sure you bring a valid passport or driving licence with you when accessing SafePoint.
Where needed, priority of access will be given for research that is critical to society and the economy.
Location and opening hours
On the day of your booking, go to the Help Desk on Level 2 at Frenchay Campus Library and request the SafePoint Coordinator.
Location: Room 5D20, Level 5, Frenchay Campus Library.
Opening hours: 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays and University closure days).
Get in touch
For further information about SafePoint, contact the SafePoint Coordinators at safepoint@uwe.ac.uk.
The SPN is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and run by the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research as part of the ADR UK programme.
“SafePod” and “SafePoint” are registered Trademarks of the University Court of the University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK. © 2026.