Data for Research Change Management Board minutes - May 2026

Attendees and apologies

• Alastair McAlpine, Scottish Government, Administrative Data Research Scotland Co-Director
• Greville Ramsay, Scottish Government, Change Management Lead
• Sean White, Scottish Government, Senior Systems Business Analyst
• Eilidh Mclaughlin, Scottish Government, Deputy Director
• Stephen O’Neill, Scottish Government, Policy and Engagement Lead
• Emma Gordon, Administrative Data Research England, Director of ADR UK Strategic Hub and Director of ADR England
• Bill South, Office for National Statistics, Data Access Deputy Director
• Mark Sawyer, Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre, Service Manager
• Esther Roughsedge, National Records of Scotland, Head of Demographic Statistics
• Chris Dibben, Administrative Data Research Scotland, Co-Director
• Roger Halliday, Research Data Scotland, Chief Executive
• Natasha Kong, Economic and Social Research Council, Senior Programme Coordinator
   

Items and actions

Task and Finish Workshop update

Researcher Access Management & Approvals

• It is anticipated that development of a user story catalogue will enhance the RAS application.
• Proposal for a single application route and unified approval management.
• Benefits include improved user experience, clearer metrics, and streamlined multi-panel approvals.
• Delivery expected to be phased, combining process and technical changes.

Indexing, Linking and Ingest

• Proposal to redesign data processing by removing dataset splitting and introducing a secure key vault approach.
• Enables automated linking, improved security, and reduced manual processing.
• Proof of concept indicates feasibility using established technologies.
• Board endorsed further discovery and design, subject to governance and stakeholder engagement.

Task & Finish Group Feedback

• Participants sought reassurance on deliverability and value of their input.
• Board confirmed support, governance oversight, and need for ongoing engagement.

Any Other Competent Business (AOCB)

• Resource requirements will need early planning and potential escalation.
• Gateway review noted; focus remains on delivering an effective service.
• Members asked to nominate deputies to maintain continuity during summer.
• Communications to be issued to task groups and partner organisations.

Next Steps and Date of Next Meeting

• Issue communication confirming Board endorsement.
• Continue discovery and requirements development.
• Present prioritisation model and early resource requirements.
• Engage assurance bodies and key stakeholders.
• Minutes to be circulated promptly.
• Next Meeting: 1st July 2026, 15:00