Data requests
This application process can be used to request ISCP, JCST and eLogbook data for research, service evaluation, audit and other types of study. Approval by the Data Analysis, Audit & Research Group (DAARG) will follow the process shown on the resources to support data applications page. To ensure compliance with UK General Data Protection Regulation, direct user access to ISCP data can only be used for surgical training.
The DAARG meets four times each year, usually during March, June, September and December. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 1st July 2026, with a deadline for requests of Wednesday 3rd June 2026.
Data confidentiality
In light of recent media coverage regarding the use of pseudonymised data in research the DAARG has become increasingly concerned about the possibility of re-identification of data subjects within pseudonymised data sets. The main issue involves the use of legitimately gained knowledge of training programmes to identify individuals. This is particularly problematic in smaller training programmes or when a large number of variables (such as deanery, gender, age etc) have been requested. In order to mitigate this risk requests will now only be approved if they are clearly leading to data driven improvements in surgical training. Even then only the minimum possible number of variables will be released and if there is still a risk of re-identification data will be aggregated as necessary before release. Unfortunately, this will be a time-consuming process and is likely to delay the release of data beyond our usual timescales.
About the Data Analysis Audit & Research Group
The DAARG is responsible for overseeing all aspects of data use arising from the JCST, ISCP, elogbook and mSurgery. This includes:
- To oversee the use of Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) and elogbook data for the purposes of quality assurance, and evaluation of the curriculum and assessment system.
- To ensure the needs of the Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST) and Speciality Advisory Committees (SACs) are met in terms of release and analysis of data.
- To work towards building an evidence base for the utility of the ISCP and elogbook and, where appropriate, to suggest research, audit and quality improvement projects.
- To make suggestions towards strategy for research and audit to ensure the principles of the ISCP and elogbook are being met.
- To ensure results emitting from ISCP and elogbook data align with the stated application purpose and are disseminated appropriately.
- To consider all data requests to ensure their objectives, methodology and outcomes are in keeping with the ISCP’s, elogbook’s and mSurgery’s principles, standards and data governance protocols (UK and Ireland).
- To implement the JCST/ISCP data access charging policy for funded research projects.
- To contribute towards improving the quality of ISCP and elogbook data and its availability at agreed levels.
- To consider, and make suggestions on how any changes in the environment / technology may impact on the nature of ISCP and elogbook data.
- To report to the JCST on data analysis, projects, findings and outcomes, and where appropriate make recommendations for strategic change.
- To oversee the work of Research Fellows under the remit of the JCST.