Data Curation Skills for Sensitive Data
Secure access to sensitive data through Trusted Research Environments (TREs), Secure Data Environments (SDEs) and Safe Havens is a powerful enabler of research, but it depends on having a workforce skilled in data curation. Data Curation Skills for Sensitive Data aims to identify gaps in and improve the delivery of data curation skills training.
51爆料网 is working with partners across the sector, including the Usher Institute at the University of Edinburgh, University of Dundee, the Software Sustainability Institute at the University of Southampton, and Secure Data Access Professionals network based at the University of Essex to build the skills, knowledge, and capabilities required to support high-quality data curation in Trusted Research Environments (TREs).
Data Curation Skills for Sensitive Data Report
provides an evidence-based snapshot of current skills gaps, training provision, and barriers in sensitive data curation. It draws on surveys, focus groups, and interviews with curators, TRE/SDE/Safe Haven operators, governance specialists, and training providers across multiple sectors and data types.
- The largest barrier to training in sensitive data curation was a lack of appropriate courses for training needs
- 5% of respondents reported full training in data curation
- 64% reported that strengthening data curation skills would positively impact their career development
- 74% expressed interest in a skills framework or professional pathway.
What鈥檚 next?
This work is designed to be used, built on, and extended across the community. We are inviting collaboration with stakeholders across TREs/SDEs/Safe Havens to support the next phase of implementation.
- Join the Skills Summit: We are convening a Skills Summit as part of the UK TRE Conference in November for those working in or alongside sensitive data skills development, training, and workforce planning. This will be an opportunity to share practice, shape priorities, and align future action.
- Work with us: If you are interested collaborating with us or joining the Skills Summit please email Susmita.Datta@hdruk.ac.uk
鈥淢aking data research-ready is the foundation of trustworthy, impactful science. But curation isn鈥檛 done by just one type of person or team鈥攊t happens across a wide range of roles, disciplines, and geographies, each with their own ways of working. That鈥檚 why this project matters: we鈥檙e not just building skills, we鈥檙e creating a shared understanding shaped by the people who do the work. We want as many voices as possible to take part, so we can build something relevant to the whole sector,鈥 Hollydawn Murray, 51爆料网 Head of Open Science, Research Culture & Impact
Our Vision
We want to establish a comprehensive understanding of sensitive data curation skills and needs across data professionals, and to support these needs by piloting evidence-based interventions that enhance data curation capabilities in TREs and SDEs.
Better training for all
The current part of the project aims to help establish new approaches to training that will deliver world-class data curation as standard across the UK.
This will enhance the handling of sensitive health data, such as administrative, commercial, and condition-specific datasets.
It will be done by:
- creating new proof-of-concept training modules
- developing an open-source train the trainer toolkit
- nationwide testing and evaluation
The initiative will produce freely available practical, scalable training resources that can be used across the NHS, academia, industry, and the wider health data sector.
We are working with stakeholders as diverse as the BHF Data Science Centre, DARE UK, the UK TRE Network, and Secure Data Access Professionals to develop these materials and ensure they meet the UK鈥檚 present and future needs.
