Safe researcher training

DataLab safe researcher training is mandatory for all researchers looking to access the DataLab as an analyst or discussant. 

You can seek approval to join a project prior to completing training and onboarding. 

Final approval and access will not be granted by ABS until your training and onboarding is complete.

Training is run virtually and covers:

• researchers shared responsibilities as a DataLab user, why compliance is important and critical for access
• understanding legislative requirements and what that means from a researcher perspective
• understanding conditions of access, researcher responsibilities and obligations
• how to safely use data and prepare appropriate safe output for clearance

The training does not include:

• using the DataLab or myDATA systems
• understanding or using the data available
• code or analytical language training

Register for DataLab safe researcher training via the myDATA portal. The myDATA portal is your one-stop shop for all aspects of DataLab training, onboarding and project management.

Note - If you have previously completed DataLab training, please register in myDATA, then reach out to the ABS Researcher Onboarding and System Support team at mydataportal@abs.gov.au to have your training information added to your profile.

Once you have created your myDATA account, click on the ‘My onboarding’ tile. You will find an ‘Enrol in training’ button. Click on the magnifying glass to select the training session that best suits you and click ‘Select’. Should there not be a suitable session, click on the 'No session suitable' and we will contact you directly.

Detailed registration steps are listed in the User Guide here.

Email mydataportal@abs.gov.au if you have issues with registering in the portal.

The successful and safe operation of the DataLab relies upon researchers understanding their responsibilities and obligations when accessing DataLab.

All researchers seeking access to DataLab, including discussants, must complete the DataLab Safe Researcher Training and satisfactorily complete a quiz before they will be granted access.

To retain access to DataLab, researchers must undertake refresher training every two years. This training helps ensure researchers remain aware of their responsibilities and obligations, stay up to date with changes to DataLab processes and requirements, and continue to apply safe researcher practices when working within the environment.

To support this requirement:

• all DataLab researchers, including analysts and discussants, must undertake refresher training every two years, or sooner, as instructed by the ABS 
• the ABS will automatically enrol all researchers who are active on a DataLab project at the time they are due to complete the training
• researchers will be notified via email when training is due outlining the steps to take to complete it (the training consists of online modules and takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete)
• relevant Undertakings and Declarations covering your responsibilities and obligations must be resubmitted every two years or as directed by the ABS
• enrolled researchers are required to complete the training in the timeframe specified by the ABS to ensure they remain compliant and DataLab access is not suspended.  

Refresher training is required because:

• key operations, such as output-checking procedures and rules, change over time
• reinforcing key requirements on a regular basis reduces the likelihood that researchers will forget them
• researchers can become complacent about complying with appropriate behaviours in DataLab
• training reinforces the need to continually refresh skills and knowledge relating to safe researcher practices
• it helps ensure researchers remain aware of their responsibilities and obligations when using DataLab.

If you think you might be due for refresher training please email mydataportal@abs.gov.au

Changing organisations does not invalidate a researcher's training status and the usual refresher training requirements apply.