National Statistics Code of Practice - Protocol on Data Access and Confidentiality (UK)

This protocol sets out how the National Statistician, departmental Heads of Profession for Statistics, Chief Statisticians in the devolved administrations and, with their authority, other members of the Government Statistical Service will meet their commitment to guarantee to protect the confidentiality of statistical data within their care. Statistical data include data collected specifically through censuses and surveys for statistical purposes, as well as data derived from administrative systems where those data then form part of a statistical product. The Protocol establishes policies for protecting confidentiality when processing statistical data and publishing outputs. It sets out the conditions and procedures which govern access to data, including access to data for research purposes, together with appropriate action in the event of unauthorised data disclosure. It covers all statistical data that are required to be kept confidential, including those collected from persons, households, businesses and other organisations, whether from surveys, censuses or administrative sources.