This report reviews the context and options available to the Department of Social Service (DSS) in developing its data access strategy, and proposes future developments based upon international practice. The structure of the report is separated into 4 parts. Part I provides the context for the report, considering current practices, law and the wider strategic framework.Part II (international experience) uses the Five Safes structure to break down data access mechanisms into separate components, and review the 'what works' evidence.Part III describes user groups in detail and the proposed data access solutions mapped to each user group; it also reviews institutional factors (culture and attitudes) that have an effect on the efficacy of any implementation.Part IV provides a roadmap for future development