Data Access Group

Overview

Researchers wishing to access data through the Ministry of Justice for research purposes are required to formally apply for approval to the MOJ Data Access Group (DAG).

The Data Access Group exists to ensure:

  • the robustness and relevance of any proposed use of data is adequately assessed
  • matters of data protection/security and research ethics are handled in an appropriate and consistent manner

The current remit of the Data Access Group includes:

  • data held by the MOJ analytical function
  • HMPPS Data First data
  • MOJ-DfE share

Access to data held by His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service or conducting primary research within HMCTS can be applied for through the Data Access Panel (DAP).

Access to data held by His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (non Data First) or conducting primary research within HMPPS can be applied for through the National Research Committee (NRC)

If your data access request spans more than one panel, approval is required from each relevant panel. If you are unsure if this applies to your research, please contact datalinkingteam@justice.gov.uk who will be able to advise.

How to apply to access data through the MOJ Data Access Group

All researchers wishing to apply for data access via the Data Access Group must complete the secure access to data form. Please refer to the available guidance to assist in completing the form.

Access to data catalogues

Data catalogues provide information on the variables contained within each dataset. Access is available as follows:

What makes a good application:

  • consider the MOJ Areas of Research Interest (ARI) in your application and explain how your research can help address these strategic evidence needs
  • ensure all relevant sections of the application are completed
  • be specific about what data you are requesting to access, why you need it, and how you are planning to use it
  • use concise, understandable language in your application. Not everyone reviewing your application will be an expert in your field or chosen methodology
  • submit a list of requested variables and justifications alongside your application (see above for further detail on how to access the data catalogues)
  • where applicable, include an ethics approval (e.g., institutional approval) or complete a UK Statistics Authority Self-Assessment Form
  • datalinkingteam@justice.gov.uk prior to submitting an application if you have any questions

Review and approval process

Applications will be screened upon initial receipt and feedback and support provided to ensure inclusion of all information required for the Data Access Group panel to evaluate the request. The full application process is as follows:

  1. engagement with DAG secretariat prior to application submission (optional)
  2. application submitted
  3. application processed through initial review
    • feedback provided if necessary
    • requestor updates application and resubmits

(step 3 is repeated until application is considered suitable for panel review by the secretariat)

4.application reviewed by the Data Access Group (DAG) panel. If the request spans more than one data owner, the application will be assessed by multiple panels at this point

  • requests for additional information or clarifications sent to requestor if necessary
  • requestor updates application and resubmits

(step 4 is repeated until all feedback has been fully addressed)

5.DAG panel send recommendation to Data Access Governance Board (DAGB), the ultimate decisionmaker on these applications

6.DAGB will consider recommendation and make final decision to approve or reject request

  • if approved, the requestor will be connected to the relevant team(s) to progress access, for example by agreeing a Data Sharing Agreement where required
  • if rejected, the requestor has the option to amend and resubmit application if desired. Note: applications will need to repeat entire application process

General Data Access enquiries: Datalinkingteam@justice.gov.uk

Research at MOJ: Research within MOJ’s agencies and arm’s length bodies - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

National Research Committee (NRC): Research at HMPPS - HM Prison and Probation Service - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Data Access Panel (DAP): Get access to HMCTS data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Data first: Ministry of Justice: Data First - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

MOJ Areas of Research Interest (ARI): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-justice-areas-of-research-interest-2025/ministry-of-justice-areas-of-research-interest-2025

Justice Data Lab: Accessing the Justice Data Lab service - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

MOJ Publications: Research and statistics - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

External Research Log: Approved External Data Research Log

Contact details

datalinkingteam@justice.gov.uk

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