Public panel
Research Data Scotland (RDS) jointly runs a public panel with colleagues at the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR). Learn more about this public engagement initiative below.
What is the public panel?
Established in 2019 by the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR), the public panel on data helps to inform research and the use of administrative data in Scotland. Since 2023, the public panel has been jointly hosted by SCADR and Research Data Scotland (RDS) to allow it to grow in membership and enhance the different activities the panel can undertake.
The public panel is co-led by Harriet Baird, Knowledge and Impact Manager at ADR Scotland, and Katie Oldfield, Public Engagement Manager at Research Data Scotland. The panel comprises members of the public from across Scotland with diverse backgrounds and lived experience of a range of issues covered in our research.
What impact does the panel have?
Over the past few years, panel participants have helped researchers and partners better understand public viewpoints on the use of administrative data for research. As the joint panel’s membership grows, participants will also help to illuminate how members of the public view different aspects of data usage for research. Additionally, panel participants will help RDS, SCADR and our partners understand how to best communicate what we do to a wider audience.
Professor Roger Halliday, CEO of Research Data Scotland, noted: “We are committed to engaging with the public. Working with SCADR to co-host their existing public panel is a positive move to ensure transparency and help researchers, policymakers and analysts. This will mean we continue to listen and understand how people wish their data to be used, help them see the benefits from research and the robust measures in place to keep data safe.”
“We are committed to engaging with the public. Working with SCADR to co-host their existing public panel is a positive move to ensure transparency and help researchers, policymakers and analysts. This will mean we continue to listen and understand how people wish their data to be used, help them see the benefits from research and the robust measures in place to keep data safe.”
Professor Chris Dibben, Co-Director of ADR Scotland, commented: “We are proud of the work we have led through our public panel who provide a critical voice in shaping what we do. Joining together with RDS will help make it more sustainable and increase opportunities to influence data research in Scotland. I look forward to the exciting next chapter.”
How can I get involved?
Being part of the public panel involves:
- Discussing different research proposals
- Advising on issues including around public trust and acceptability
- Helping us to communicate our work in a clear and accessible manner
- Informing further public engagement and our approach
If you’re interested in joining our public panel, please contact us to discuss how you get involved.
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