The Research Accreditation Service (RAS) serves as the researcher and project accreditation service for users of both the Secure Research Service (SRS), and the Integrated Data Service (IDS). RAS is provided to the ONS by a third-party organisation, with the current contract due to end in Spring 2025. To ensure we continue to provide an accreditation service that will meet the needs of SRS users, the ONS has developed a plan to replace the current service. As you may be aware, plans to transition the SRS to the IDS have been pushed back pending further reviews of IDS readiness to meet SRS user needs. This means that the SRS and the IDS will run in parallel for a longer period. Two new systems have therefore been designed to service the different user requirements: Project Accreditation Service for SRS (PASS) People & Projects Service (PPS)

Project Accreditation Service for SRS (PASS)

PASS is a bespoke, purpose-built solution for the SRS which will replace all project application functionality provided by RAS for new and existing users. Data held in RAS for person and project accreditations will be migrated over to PASS, and SRS users will use PASS for all project applications and existing project changes.

Development of this system is underway and on track, ready for implementation well in advance of the decommissioning of RAS. This will ensure sufficient time for rigorous user testing, and a phased transition of data and functionality to the new service.

PASS will take over all project application functionality, however going forward, the new PPS will handle the researcher accreditation function for all accredited researchers.

People & Projects Service (PPS)

PPS is built into the infrastructure of the IDS and will provide the project accreditation and management service for all new and active IDS users.

Historically, RAS provided the person accreditation service for all accredited researchers regardless of which Trusted Research Environment (TRE) the researcher wished to utilise. PPS will take over this functionality and will be responsible for accreditation of all new accredited researchers, and for those looking to apply for re-accreditation when their accreditation is due to expire.

By developing this in-house as part of the ONS’ TRE infrastructure, this avoids any requirement for changes to third-party systems in the future.

The introduction of PPS will also bring changes to the existing Secure Researcher Training (SRT) process, the details of which will be communicated to all users.

What does this change mean for me?

No action is required at this stage, so new and existing users should continue to use RAS as normal. RAS will be replaced in Spring 2025, however after this time:

• Existing accredited researchers using the SRS will be required to use PASS to request any changes to existing projects or to apply for new SRS projects. These users will only need to use PPS to renew accreditation if their 5-year accreditation status has expired.
• New or returning SRS users will need to use PPS to renew or apply to be an Accredited Researcher. This will need to be completed before the user can access live projects.
• Users of the IDS will utilise PPS for both researcher accreditation, and to submit their IDS project application.

The ONS will continue to keep users up to date with the implementation of the RAS replacement services, so please look out for further updates over the coming months.

No action is required by users at this stage, however should you have any questions about the replacement of RAS and how this may impact an active or pending SRS project, please contact SRS Customer Support.