The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) DARE UK (Data and Analytics Research Environments UK) programme has today published the findings of a UK-wide public dialogue exploring views towards data research practices, and where improvements need to be made to increase public confidence.
We know from over a decade of previous research that the public broadly support the use of their sensitive data in research – data about their education, health, welfare, employment and more. But we also know that this support is conditional on the safe storage and appropriate use of that data, and trustworthiness is crucial [1]. The importance of continuing to understand what the public want – particularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated developments in how data is accessed and used for research – and meeting their expectations, cannot be underestimated when making use of sensitive data.
In January and February this year, DARE UK and Kohlrabi Consulting delivered a series of deliberative workshops with 44 members of the public from a diversity of backgrounds and identities from across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Participants had low existing awareness of how sensitive data is used in research, but showed widespread support for data research and were reassured by processes currently in place to protect their data. They wanted all types of researchers – including commercial organisations – to have access to their data when the proposed research is in the public benefit.
However, participants were surprised by how long and hard it can be to access data and wanted to see these processes improved, so that public benefit can be realised more quickly. They also felt the public are currently left in the dark about data research. For it to be more trustworthy, they saw a clear need for data custodians and researchers to more proactively reach out and tell the public about what is being done with their data, how and why; and to meaningfully involve an inclusive public in their work. The dialogue’s findings resonate with those of other recent conversations with the public [2, 3].
The DARE UK programme – which is currently in its first Phase, led by Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) and ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK) – will now take the dialogue’s findings and recommendations forward in partnership with key stakeholders, including public representatives, to design and deliver a more joined-up, efficient and trustworthy national data research infrastructure. The report is also a useful addition to the evidence base for others who want to make sure they are handling and using sensitive data for research in a trustworthy way.
The full dialogue report and recommendations can be accessed on the DARE UK website.
Hans-Erik G. Aronson, Director of DARE UK Phase 1, said: “Trustworthiness is at the core of everything DARE UK aims to achieve in the design and delivery of a more coordinated national data research infrastructure. When we speak of sensitive data, this is often data about people, and it is therefore essential that this data is stored and used in ways that people feel confident in.
“The findings of this public dialogue are vital for informing our ongoing work to improve the systems and processes supporting the use of sensitive data in research across the UK. I look forward to taking them forward to make sure DARE UK’s work aligns with public expectations at every level.”
Justin O’Byrne, Co-Director of Digital Research Infrastructure at UKRI, said: “Building trust into our thinking has been at the heart of what UKRI has been doing for a long time, and through the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure programme – of which DARE UK Phase 1 forms a key element – we have an opportunity to build on that legacy and inform our longer term thinking in this area. We cannot take the support of the public for granted and we have to work hard to make sure we continue to be trustworthy. The findings of the DARE UK public dialogue will be valuable for helping us achieve this.”
Professor Andrew Morris, Director of Health Data Research UK (HDR UK), said: "To fully realise the benefits of health data research at scale, we must create a data ecosystem that puts the public's trust at its heart and invites them to contribute to it in a meaningful way. We're pleased to see the recommendations from DARE UK's public dialogue, and look forward to seeing them taken forward to deliver a trustworthy national data research infrastructure that supports research at scale for public good."
Dr Emma Gordon, Director of ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK), said: “DARE UK provides a crucial opportunity to reflect and consider how to draw on the strengths that exist across different research sectors and involve the public in that conversation. ADR UK is pleased to see the findings of this public dialogue, which build on the literature review on ‘Trust, Security and Public Interest: Striking the Balance’ we published in 2020.”
References
[1] ADR UK, 2020. Trust, Security and Public Interest: Striking the Balance.
[2] OneLondon, 2020. Public deliberation in the use of health and care data.
[3] Geospatial Commission, 2021. Public dialogue on location data ethics – Engagement report.
Notes for editors
The DARE UK public dialogue report makes six recommendations for the trustworthy handling and use of sensitive data in research:
- Proactive transparency should be practiced by those handling and using sensitive data for research
- Public involvement and engagement should be inclusive and meaningful
- Efforts should be made to raise awareness of security processes to protect data, and make sure those processes remain fit for purpose
- The processes and systems supporting data research across the UK should be unified in their approaches where possible
- Where feasible, processes enabling access to sensitive data for research should be standardised and centralised
- Sensitive data should be made available for research when it is in the public benefit
Find out more in the full report.
About DARE UK
DARE UK is programme funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to design and deliver a national data research infrastructure that is joined-up, demonstrates trustworthiness and supports research at scale for public good. DARE UK is a multi-phase programme, with Phase 1 – ‘Design and Dialogue’ – led by Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) and Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK). Find out more on the DARE UK website.
About UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and the UK’s largest public funder of research and innovation. The organisation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England – which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England – and the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK. Find out more on the UKRI website.
About Health Data Research UK (HDR UK)
HDR UK is the national institute for health data science, with a mission to unite the UK’s health data to enable discoveries that improve people’s lives. Their 20-year vision is for large scale data and advanced analytics to benefit every patient interaction, clinical trial, biomedical discovery and enhance public health. Find out more on the HDR UK website.
About ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK)
ADR UK is an Economic and Social Research Council programme transforming the way researchers access the UK’s wealth of public sector data, to enable better informed policy decisions that improve people’s lives. By joining up the abundance of administrative data already being created by government and public bodies across the UK and making it available to approved researchers in a safe and secure way, ADR UK is enabling vital research that has the potential to lead to more effective public services. Find out more on the ADR UK website.
About Kohlrabi Consulting
Kohlrabi Consulting is a research consultancy dedicated to making research accessible to everyone. Their team of experienced researchers aims to create a world where everybody can benefit from good research, through providing the right support, knowledge and tools. Find out more on the Kohlrabi Consulting website.