1. Managing Security Sensitive Research – Summary of policy and process
Research Services.
Managing Security Sensitive Research – Summary of policy and process

2. Contents What is Security Sensitive Research?
Why is a policy and process needed?
What does the policy say?
So what do I need to do now?
Key risks to be aware of
Further guidance
15/11/2018
© The University of Sheffield

3. What is Security Sensitive Research?
Defined as research involving groups that are on the Home Office list of 'Proscribed terrorist groups or organisations':
Applies to staff and students
15/11/2018
© The University of Sheffield

4. Why is a policy and process needed?
To ensure the welfare of staff and, in particular, students
To protect staff and students from misinterpretation by the authorities
To ensure compliance with the government's ‘Prevent Duty’
Seeks to balance academic freedom, and facilitate appropriate research
15/11/2018
© The University of Sheffield

5. What does the policy say?
Level 3: High Security Risk
= direct interaction with proscribed groups
Level 2: Medium Security Risk
= accessing materials/ info linked to proscribed groups
Level 1: Low Security Risk
= no direct link to Proscribed groups or their materials e.g. accessing news reports
- Be aware of risks
- Discuss risks & how to manage them with those involved
- Refer to HoD (HoD liaises with Security Services to take appropriate steps)
- Contact CiCS Information Security Manager
- Detailed risk assessment
15/11/2018
© The University of Sheffield

6. Possible measures for levels 2 & 3
Informing/seeking advice from relevant external registries (level 3)
Private room/designated PC to access material (level 2 & 3)
Monitoring of material by CiCS (level 2 & 3)
Appropriate supervision/support for students (level 2 & 3)
Risk management discussions (level 2 & 3)
15/11/2018
© The University of Sheffield

7. What do I need to do now?
All staff doing/supporting research OR in student-facing role: BE AWARE & SIGNPOST where needed
Staff who do / supervise / teach about potentially security-sensitive research: FAMILIARISE, CONSIDER & FOLLOW POLICY & PROCESS where needed
15/11/2018
© The University of Sheffield

8. KEY RISKS TO BE AWARE OF
Escalation of low-high risk activity by following links to ‘dark web’
Impact on those around when viewing material in public spaces
Impact on researcher’s well-being
Use secure University storage…
and NEVER access security sensitive material from personal PCs
15/11/2018
© The University of Sheffield

9. Further information Research Services webpage:
Key RS contact for advice: Lindsay Unwin x21443)
Student Support Services – ‘Prevent’ guidance:
15/11/2018
© The University of Sheffield

10. To Discover And Understand.