General Lifestyle Survey: Datasets
The data and documentation can be accessed
from the following web page: General Lifestyle
Survey.
A GHS
Time Series Dataset 1972-2004, compiled by ONS, is also available from this
site.
The GLF is the survey vehicle used for the 2005-2011 EU-SILC in the UK. Two UK EU-SILC datasets are available.
Secure Data Service Access
GLF datasets are now available from the Secure Data Service (SDS). These datasets are more detailed version of existing data available through ESDS. To find out more about the content of these datasets view the online catalogue records. Before applying for access researchers should read through the catalogue records to determine if the data are suitable for their research and whether less detailed versions of the data are available and could be used instead. More information about the SDS can be found on the Secure Data Service website.
Special Licence Access GLS data
Special Licence versions of the GLS are available which contain extra variables. Any registered user requiring ONS SL data will have to be accredited by the UK Statistics Authority as an Approved Researcher.
To apply for accreditation a user will complete forms that will require:
1. evidence that he/she is a fit and proper person and details about the purpose of the research
2. an online order for the data
3. a signed declaration that he/she understands the confidentiality obligations owed to those data including its physical security
The evidence to be adduced will include previous research projects and publications. New users may need to provide the contact details of a senior member of staff who can vouch for them. The research purpose form will ask for information about the intended use of the data, a justification for access and planned outputs.
Users who obtain access to SL data are required to read and follow the Microdata handling and security: Guide to good practice. This includes additional guidance on:
• avoiding inadvertent statistical disclosure
• storing and accessing data securely
• how to permanently destroy copies of data
Further information on requirements for accreditation as an approved researcher can be found on the ESDS web site.
Free access to study descriptions, online
variable lists and online documentation, including
questionnaires, is available for all users and does not
require registration.
Most non- commercial registered users (see
Ordering Data) can download datasets in SPSS, STATA and
ASCII tab-delimited formats.
Some of these data are available to most
registered users to analyse, visualise, subset and download
online using the ESDS Nesstar
catalogue.
Users can explore the data by running frequency tables on
variables without being registered for the data.
All registered users can place an online
order if they are unable to download the data, if an
alternative format or portable media (such as CD) is
required or if the data are required from another registered
user or a local data library.
You can also sign up to be
notified when new data is available from ESDS.
Charges
Academics,
teachers and students in higher or further education can
obtain the survey data for not-for-profit purposes at no
cost (other than the costs of portable media). Fees may
apply to other users. See ESDS Charges and
Costs.
