Access to OpenSAFELY

Access to the OpenSAFELY Service is strictly controlled to maintain an extremely high level of security around the data. The type of OpenSAFELY user you are will determine what level of access you have to the system.

We have two categories of user within the Service which are:

Full User

Collaborator

Access

Access to the OpenSAFELY service is different for a Full User and a Collaborator.

A Full User…

• has access to the OpenSAFELY secure environment
• can write and run code on pseudonymised data within the secure environment
• has access to the GitHub project repository (repo)
• can request the release of outputs through the OpenSAFELY output-checking service
• can view released outputs.

A Collaborator…

• does not have access to the OpenSAFELY secure environment
• has access to the GitHub project repository (repo)
• cannot run or merge code
• can propose changes to code, but these must be reviewed and merged into the project by a Full User
• can view data results that have been output checked, approved, and released from the secure environment prior to them being approved for public release
• can contribute to the writing of project artefacts, such as journal publications and reports.

User requirements

The below requirements are necessary for an individual to become either a Full User or a Collaborator.

OpenSAFELY Full User

To become a Full User you must….

• be employed by or studying at a UK-based organisation
• only access the secure environment from within the UK
• have completed ONS Safe Researcher training or that of the UK Data Service.

The Project Lead of any Project Team must be a Full User.

OpenSAFELY Collaborator

To become a Collaborator you must…

• Be part of a Project Team which contains at least one Full User.

Collaborators are not required to have completed ONS Safe Researcher training or UK Data Service training and are not required to be employed by or studying at a UK-based organisation.

More information about project roles

To understand more about the requirements of the Project Team and Project Lead as well as guidance regarding sponsorship, funding and Ph.D. students take a look at our Glossary of Terms page.