Access to ONS Microdata

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for producing a wide range of key economic and social statistics that are used by policy makers across government to create evidence-based policies and monitor performance against them. It makes statistics available so that everyone can easily assess the state of the nation, the performance of government and their own position. The data used to produce statistics are a potentially valuable resource for other government departments and academic researchers.

Confidentiality

All information collected by ONS is protected by a confidentiality guarantee that covers all uses by ONS and others. ONS is committed to protecting the confidentiality of statistical data in its care and guarantees that no statistics will be produced that are likely to identify an individual unless specifically agreed with them.

Access to unpublished data abstracts and microdata

The public's participation in ONS surveys is valued and therefore the best use possible is made of the information in ONS’s statistical resources.

ONS makes arrangements with other producers of statistics research and analysis for the use of unpublished data abstracts and microdata, provided the confidentiality of the data can be maintained absolutely, and provided any scheduled statistical outputs from the data source have been published. The National Statistics Code of Practice governs these arrangements.

Unpublished ONS data abstracts and microdata may be used for statistical purposes only, within recognised institutions. ONS does not support any private or personal statistical research work.

Other than for statistical quality assurance purposes, no access is given to any statistics that are scheduled for publication.

The arrangements for access to unpublished data abstracts and microdata will vary according to the institution the researcher(s) belong to, the source and design of the data they wish to use, and any legal limitations. Undertakings as to the proper use and users of the data must be entered into.

If you have any questions about how to access unpublished ONS data, or if you wish to apply for access to any ONS data resources that are not publicly available, please use the contact information below. We will ensure your query or request is actioned, direct you to any suitable sources that are readily available, help you through any necessary arrangements for your access to data, and assign a person to your request to keep you informed of progress throughout. If we are not able to support your research with the data you request, we will suggest alternatives and give a proper explanation for why this is the case.

e-mail : MRU@ONS.GOV.UK

Write : Legal and Data Services, Office for National Statistics, Room 4200N, Segensworth Road, Fareham, PO15 5RR

Approved requests for access (xls, 109Kb)
This table shows details of approved requests for access to ONS microdata.

NB: NS denotes where outputs are National Statistics

This page last revised: Thursday, 3 May 2007