Cookies on ons.gov.uk

Cookies are small files stored on your device when you visit a website. We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We would like to set additional cookies to remember your settings and understand how you use the site. This helps us to improve our services.

View cookies

You have accepted all additional cookies. You have rejected all additional cookies. You can change your cookie preferences at any time.

Skip to main content

How to access : Access your workspace

Overview

This section is for new users who have been provided with their sign-in details in a welcome email. It includes how to:

  • sign into the Integrated Data Service (IDS)
  • set up two-step verification
  • request a password reset if necessary

You will also need to be familiar with and abide by the IDS Security Operating Procedure (SyOps) accountabilities and responsibilities.

Sign in to the Integrated Data Service (IDS) Hub

The Integrated Data Service (IDS) Hub is a secure platform where authorised users can access IDS products and services. Users are typically granted access after their project has been approved.

Your IDS username and a link to set up your password will be provided in a welcome email from Google.

When you have this information, you can sign in to the IDS Hub (opens in a new tab) 

When accessing IDS for the first time you will need:

  • your welcome email with your sign-in details
  • access to a mobile device
  • to set up two-step verification

Once signed in you may be asked to update your password from the default password provided. After that you will be viewing the IDS Hub.

From here you can view the data catalogue, user guides, and access a workspace to carry out your work. The workspace is protected by Cloudflare Remote Brower Isolation (RBI) (opens in a new tab)  as a protective measure.

As a result, when entering your workspace you will be prompted to enter your sign in details again.

How to reset your password

If you forget your password or need to reset it, do not use the forgotten password link on the Integrated Data Service (IDS) sign in page. For a new password, email IDS.customer.support@ons.gov.uk (opens in a new tab) 

The IDS support hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and we aim to respond as soon as possible. The inbox is not monitored on bank holidays.

Set up two-step verification

Within 24 hours of signing in to the Integrated Data Service (IDS) for the first time, you must set up two-step verification on your account.

Two-step verification means a user provides two identifiers when signing in, such as a password and a separate confirmation using a phone. This is an added layer of security for users and data.

If you miss the 24-hour window, email IDS.customer.support@ons.gov.uk (opens in a new tab) 

Activate two-step verification

The Integrated Data Service (IDS) uses Google's two-step verification for additional security, but to activate this you must first sign in to your IDS account through Google and turn on two-step authentication.

This will be a one-time setup and requires temporarily registering a mobile device to your IDS account.

If you already have a personal Google account you do not need to sign out, you can add this as an additional account and switch between the two.

You must have a phone for these next steps.

  1. On a web browser use your IDS username and password to sign in to your Google account (opens in a new tab) 
  2. If a “Welcome” page is displayed, select “enrol” and enter your password.
  3. Navigate to the two-step-verification page (opens in a new tab)  Alternatively select "security" in the menu and then "two-step verification" in the body of the page. Select "Get started".
  4. You may be asked to sign in again at this point. You will then be asked to select your phone, even if there is nothing to select. You must now add a phone to the account (this can be removed later).
  5. If you select "Don’t see your device?" you will then see instructions for Android or iPhone users to add the Google account to their phone.
  6. To add your account using an Android device, select "Settings", then "Accounts", then "Add Account", then "Google" and sign in with your IDS credentials. If you have an iPhone or other iOS device you will have to download the Google app (opens in a new tab)  from the App Store and sign in to this. As before, you do not need to sign out of any personal Google accounts, you can add the IDS as an additional account and switch between the two.
  7. When you sign in with your IDS Google account on any mobile device, it should then appear as an authenticated device in the browser window from step 4 and 5. You may need to select “Try Again”, wait a short period of time, or refresh the page. Once detected your device should be listed under “These devices can get prompts”. Select a device and "Continue".
  8. Skip the "Backup codes" section by selecting "Next", followed by "I have my codes". You will not need these.
  9. On the “Turn on two-step verification?” screen, select “Turn on”.

Once you have turned on two-step verification, you must choose a verification method. We recommend setting up an authenticator app as standard.

The authenticator app provides a six-digit code each time you sign in and does not require you to remain signed in to the Google account on your phone.

Set up Google or Microsoft Authenticator

To authenticate your Integrated Data Service (IDS) account with an app, you must have either of these apps installed on your device: 

Once you have downloaded your app, follow these steps.

  1. On a web browser use your IDS username and password to sign in to your Google account (opens in a new tab) 
  2. Navigate to the two-step-verification page (opens in a new tab) 
  3. Under "Add more second steps to verify that it’s you", select "Authenticator app" and sign in again if asked.
  4. Select “Set up authenticator”. It should display a QR code on the screen.
  5. Using either Google or Microsoft authenticator, scan the QR code using your phone’s camera. Note: You can set up more than one authenticator using this QR code, but it will only be visible at this step.
  6. Once scanned, your app should display a six-digit code that changes periodically. You may have to enter the code in your browser to confirm the authenticator has been added correctly.
  7. Google will ask for a code to confirm the authenticator has been added. Once entered, the authenticator is now set up and ready to be used. Select “Back”.
  8. You can now sign out from your IDS Google account on your phone if you wish. Your two-step verification will default to the Authenticator app.
  9. From now on when signing in to the IDS, after entering your password you will now be asked to use the code from the Authenticator app.
Back to top