A Standardised Data Access Agreement Template for use across the data science ecosystem where data is accessed in Trusted Research Environments
The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Goldacre and Sudlow Reviews have highlighted the importance of timely access to data in order to conduct research. One of the most time- consuming aspects of the data access process is negotiating contracting agreements.
Trusted Research Environments (TREs)/ Secure Data Environments (SDEs) rely on Data Access Agreements (DAAs) to bind researchers and their organisations to the terms and conditions of accessing TRE/ SDEs and the data within. However, DAAs can be overly lengthy and complex, causing long contracting processes and unclear terms. These factors increase time to access data and makes operational standards within the TRE/ SDE unclear.
The Pan-UK Data Governance Steering Group has developed a standardised DAA for use across the data science community. The DAA is structured around the Five Safes Framework to make the clauses and their purpose clear. Although the core clauses should not be modified, customisable annexes have been added to allow for differences in TRE/SDE terms or processes. Both the DAA and the underpinning principles have had significant input from HDR UK’s Public Advisory Board and the development has been described in a published paper.
By providing a familiar structure and terms, the DAA template aims to make researcher obligations clear and build trust between TRE/SDEs and data contributors. Widespread adoption is intended to accelerate health data research by enabling faster execution of project contracts and agreements, ultimately enabling more timely and effective research.
There are two versions of the DAA for use depending on whether researchers will access personal (pseudonymised) data or functionally anonymous data.
View the Data Access Agreement template
“Throughout this process, I felt that my feedback was taken on board. I co-authored the journal article, with my comments being quoted, and I had a material impact on the template itself. I also felt supported and valued for both the positive comments I provided and the critiques on how to improve. The DAA template was a great example of how PPIE can be embedded and used to make meaningful change to health data projects. The DAA template also displayed the value of involving PPIE from a project’s inception and the incredible impact that can be achieved when facilitated correctly.”
Blog post by Munisa Hashimi, Public Advisory Board member
