An audio-visual resource to improve transparency in SAIL Databank’s data access process.
Authors: Roberts Christopher 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundSince 2007, SAIL Databank has been entrusted with anonymised health and administrative data for the population of Wales. This includes ~85% of primary and 100% secondary care health records, and a range of administrative data that includes education, employment, environment, housing, justice and social care data. This data is accessible to approved researchers who can demonstrate positive societal impact from its use.
IntroductionIt has always been vital for SAIL Databank to build and maintain extremely high levels of trust amongst its stakeholders; data users, data providers and the public who are represented in the anonymised datasets. This trust has been earned through a robust range of technical, physical and procedural safeguards known as SAIL’s ‘privacy-by-design’. Public-facing information has been vital to maintain trust through transparency and manifests in SAIL’s data use register, publications register, and clear information offered via its website. This work represents the next evolution in SAIL’s commitment to transparency in creating an audio-visual representation of its data access process.
Method

Ensuring current available information on SAIL’s public facing website was clear and accessible through consultation with SAIL’s public involvement panel – The Consumer Panel.
Streamlining and presenting this information based on Consumer Panel feedback.
Maintaining SAIL’s commitment to Welsh language standards by translating this information.
Consultation with colleagues and Swansea University procurement to identify a suitable creative agency to take forward the idea of a data access process animated video.
Communicating requirements and providing briefing documents to the selected creative agency, Buffoon Media.
Reviewing potential voiceovers for narration of animated video to ensure an accessible tone, pace and dual language delivery.
Receipt of completed animated video placed alongside corresponding data access process text on SAIL’s website.

ResultsProduction of an audio-visual resource that improves transparency around SAIL’s data access process and compliments its existing process guidance. This resource is freely and publicly accessible via its website, including components such as:

Accessible design colours, fonts and presentation in keeping with SAIL’s existing brand.
Use of images, graphics and animation that bring the process to life.
A professional and accessible voice-over audio explaining each element within the process.
A bi-lingual voice-over that recognises Wales’ large number of Welsh language speakers.

Resource can be found at: https://saildatabank.com/data/apply-to-work-with-the-data/
ConclusionBuilding on SAIL’s commitment to trust and transparency since inception its anticipated that this new video resource will improve transparency for all of SAIL’s stakeholders in understanding and engaging with SAIL’s data access process.
References

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