Administrative data research has enormous potential to benefit society. Datasets are typically very large and cover samples of individuals and time periods not normally financially or logistically achievable through survey methods. In the UK, government departments are the main purveyors of large administrative datasets including welfare, tax, health and educational record systems.
To support the use of administrative data for research in the UK, the ESRC has set up the Administrative Data Research Network. The Administrative Data Research Centre Scotland (ADRC-S) is part of this Network and provides researchers with:
- The opportunity to use linked administrative data for social science and economic research.
- Training and accreditation to allow researchers to use administrative data appropriately.
- Support with making applications, using the data and metadata.
- A dedicated safe haven from which to conduct research.
The ADRC-S provides all services to the researcher free of charge, which includes the negotiation and linkage of administrative datasets.
If you are currently considering using administrative data for your research or are interested in finding out more of the potential benefits then please contact ADRC Scotland on 0131 658 5344 or email adrc-s@ed.ac.uk.