Data Curation Skills for Sensitive Data Report – Evidence to Inform the Future
Detailed new research has identified gaps in the training provision for those working with sensitive data and highlights the importance of co-ordinated action to improve curation skills.
Secure access to sensitive data through Trusted Research Environments (TREs), Secure Data Environments (SDEs) and Safe Havens is a powerful enabler of research but it depends on having a workforce skilled in data curation.
Research from HDR UK, the Software Sustainability Institute, and wider project partners suggests that many of those carrying out this work would benefit from further training, with gaps in provision indicating a clear opportunity for workforce development.
- Just 5% of respondents reported full training in data curation
- 64% said that strengthening data curation skills would positively impact their career development
- 74% expressed interest in a skills framework or professional pathway.
The area is evolving fast, so action is essential to ensure the UK has a workforce with necessary technical, governance, and professional skills to ensure the safe and appropriate curation of sensitive data.
Sensitive Data Curation Skills Report
This detailed report draws on surveys, focus groups, and interviews from people and organisations across the sector.
The way ahead
The largest barrier to training in sensitive data curation identified in the report was a lack of appropriate courses for training needs.
By working with us to implement the report’s recommendations stakeholders can ensure safe, high-quality data handling while avoiding siloed approaches that limit collaboration or consistency across projects and organisations.
Key recommendations
Our key recommendations give targeted, actionable suggestions on how stakeholders can influence change to effectively address sensitive data curation skills and training needs.
Help make it happen
This work is designed to be used, built on, and extended across the community. We are inviting collaboration to support the next phase of implementation.
We are keen to work with stakeholders across TREs/SDEs/Safe Havens, training organisations, funders, and employers who are interested contributing to and working towards the recommendations particularly around TRE literacy training, skills frameworks, career pathways, and alignment with organisational processes.
- Join the Skills Summit: We are convening a Skills Summit as part of the UK TRE Conference in November for those working in or alongside sensitive data skills development, training, and workforce planning. This will be an opportunity to share practice, shape priorities, and align future action.
- Work with us: If you are interested collaborating with us or joining the Skills Summit please email Datta@hdruk.ac.uk.
Our five action priorities
- Develop and pilot a foundational TRE Literacy curriculum
- Design training for wide accessibility
- Align training with organisational processes
- Support existing skills frameworks by integrating evidence on sensitive data curation skills
- Improve sector-wide connectivity and visibility of skills development activity
What is sensitive data?
Sensitive data refers to confidential information that, if disclosed or accessed without authorisation, could lead to harm or adverse consequences for individuals. This includes personal data such as health information and other special category data as in GDPR, but also individual’s financial details, or commercially sensitive data. We also include any data stored or processed within a TRE.
