National Statistics Code of Practice - Protocol on Data Matching (UK)

This protocol sets out how all those involved in the production of National Statistics will meet their commitment to protect the confidentiality of data within their care whilst also, and where appropriate, maximising the value of those data through data matching. Data matching involves the full or partial integration of two or more datasets on the basis of information held in common. It enables data obtained from separate sources to be used more effectively, thereby enhancing the value of the original sources. Data matching can also reduce the potential burden on data providers by reducing the need for further data collection.However where data matching involves the integration of records for the same units (persons, households, companies, etc) it also raises important issues of privacy and subject consent. The holding of identifying information also raises issues about confidentiality and security. The protocol covers the safeguards that must be taken to ensure confidentiality is maintained during data matching and in the treatment of matched datasets and the removal of identifiers. It also specifies who is responsible for any dataset created, who may access it, and its longevity.