Administrative data, such as hospital, education or social security records, offer powerful tools for social science research. However gaining access to and using this type of data successfully requires specialist skills.

Data owners, for example, will expect a high level of data security awareness before they will release potentially disclosive, personal data to a researcher.

This new ESRC 'Safe Researcher' training course aims to fill this skills gap.  The course will provide researchers with the basic understanding, knowledge and skills to apply for and use administrative data for research confidently and responsibly.  The course has been endorsed by major data holding organisations in the UK and a certificate of attendance will be provided that can then be used to support applications.

The 'Safe Researcher' course will initially run on the 14th September in Manchester and be repeated in London on the 12th November 2010. The course has been subsidised by the ESRC and costs just £35 to attend.  Please note that places are limited and early booking is advisable.  For full course details and to reserve your place please go to www.adls.ac.uk.

The course is provided by the ESRC's Administrative Data Liaison Service (ADLS).  The aim of the service is to help improve data resources for academic researchers in the UK. The ADLS raises awareness and utility of administrative data for research purposes and offers guidance and support to enable researchers to use administrative data safely and securely.

Should you require any further information on the course or the ADLS then please do not hesitate to contact 01334 463901 or email adls@st-andrews.ac.uk