Governance for researchers

iCARE has robust governance and safeguarding processes built into every stage of the research process. We use the Five Safes framework to ensure that data is accessed and used safely and responsibly.

1. Safe People

Access is limited to accredited researchers who meet iCARE’s eligibility requirements, complete mandatory Information Governance training and agree to the relevant Terms of Use for Data.

Researchers do not need to be employed by Imperial College London, although eligibility requirements apply depending on their organisation and the proposed project.

2. Safe Projects

All projects must have a clear research purpose, appropriate governance and demonstrate public benefit. Researchers must complete a Data Access Request Form and present their project to the NIHR Imperial BRC Data Access and Prioritisation (DAC) Committee before access can be granted. 

Projects may require additional approvals depending on the data being requested and how it will be used.

3. Safe Settings

Research is conducted within the Imperial SDE, with strict controls on access, data transfer and the use of outputs. The environment is designed to keep research data secure while enabling approved analysis. 

Where there is a justified need for analysis to take place in an external secure data environment, additional Information Governance approval is required, along with appropriate justification and data extraction processes.

4. Safe Data

Researchers receive only the data needed for their approved project. Data is pseudonymised wherever possible, with directly identifying information removed or replaced before researchers access the data.

Access to data is controlled according to the approved project and is subject to strict governance and security requirements.

5. Safe Outputs

Research outputs are reviewed before they can leave the secure environment. Statistical disclosure control is used to identify and manage the risk of individuals being identified from research findings.

Only outputs that meet the required confidentiality and governance standards can be released.

Ethics

Research using ICHT data held within the Imperial SDE is covered by research database ethics approval from the Health Research Authority (HRA). Projects approved through the DAC therefore do not normally require a separate HRA ethics application for use of the covered ICHT data.

Additional ethics approval may be required where a project involves linking ICHT data with secondary datasets or using data outside the scope of the existing approval.