Table 1 Actions implemented by the RSU team in response to the areas for development highlighted within the CI report

Accessibility: understanding of data infrastructure

A redesigned website was launched under an independent URL (www.nils.ac.uk). The primary target for the website is new researchers interested in utilizing NILS. Video overviews and step-by-step guides to researcher accreditation and project planning are to the forefront and presented in non-technical language. The new website also includes field representations of the topics and thematic spread of NILS projects, using material developed for the CI workshop. The medium-term aspiration is to have a dedicated policy-maker space and dashboard through which all relevant NILS findings can be accessed in key point format.

Accessibility: understanding role of NILS within NI data landscape

Signposting role and conference: NILS RSU advises prospective users of alternative options to NILS, depending on the proposed project, timescale and requirements (for example, data analysis focus, granularity). The academic team organized the Belfast Big Data Day in collaboration with Belfast City Council at Belfast City Hall, and with other data providers (including Ordinance Survey and Labour Force Survey). Whilst the pandemic hampered follow-up from this event, successful online seminars have bridged the gap in the interim, particularly “The potential use of NILS for Covid research”, which saw an invited panel of academics and those working in government policy talk about the future evidence gaps.

Accessibility: understanding data/metadata

Metadata: The new website details classes and sources of data, including individual and household-level census demographics, health records and environmental risks.

Accessibility of data

Remote access: Both major Northern Ireland (NI) universities who provide the majority of users have entered into new agreements with government data custodians across the UK and now have Assured Organizational Connectivity agreements. These recognize the universities as trusted and secure institutions and permit access from campus-based university computers. Long-term, if extended to NI census data, this could remove a logistical barrier to preparation of NILS data for analysis.

Use of synthetic data: As of 2022, NISRA have made synthetic data files available, which contain variables with the same names, codings and univariate distributions as would be found in a full NILS population. A carefully prepared non-disclosive dataset, stripped of private information but with capacity for building analytical models, has been launched as a learning resource on the website together with complimentary tutorials and information.

User needs: information; collaborative decision-making

User voice structures and research community: Previously active groups were merged under the banner of the Northern Ireland Administrative Data Researcher’s User Forum. The forum facilitates discussion space involving researchers and data technicians, with five meetings every year. Researchers are represented on the NILS Steering Committee by the forum chair.

Public need: clear communication of NILS Findings

Briefings project: Funding was secured for a two-strand project. First, a one-day specialist training day was provided to researchers, with the instructor assisting researchers in the creation of policy briefs based on existing work. Subsequently, a part-time research assistant was recruited for weekly sessions in which to further develop these briefs and devise a search strategy for maintaining an up-to-date record of live policy consultations and parliamentary calls for expert input in the UK and beyond. Case study files of how each policy brief could be amended to fit particular calls were also created.