In this post we will introduce you to what you need to consider to store, share and dispose of your research data securely. — Contents Introduction Key areas of data security Storing research data securely Sharing research data securely Disposing of research data securely Summary Further support Introduction The security of research data is essential to protect against data loss, unauthorised access and change, disclosure and ensure compliance with institutional, funder, data provider and legislative requirements.

This post will help you better understand UK data protection law in a research context. Read through the post or use the hyperlinks to use as a reference guide. — Contents Introduction Does your research involve personal data? The six principles of data protection The rights of a data subject What are the rules for transferring personal data around the world? What do I need to consider as a researcher?

In this post we will explore the six principles for data protection when conducting research with human participants. — Contents Introduction The six principles of Data Protection Lawful, fair and transparent processing Legitimate and limited purpose Data minimisation Accurate and up to date Storage limitation Integrity and confidentiality Summary Further support Introduction The UK General Data Protection Regulation along with the Data Protection Act 2018 concerns the collection of, holding, processing…

In this post we explore what you need to know about data protection when conducting research with human participants. — Contents Introduction What does UK GDPR mean? Data protection considerations Magic triangle of data protection Confidentiality Withdrawal of data Data sharing Retention Summary Further support Introduction In other posts in this series, we have discussed how information sheets and consent forms/scripts are important supporting documents for your research study. Both contain information…

In this post we will look at additional considerations around research with potentially vulnerable groups and research in a language or format other than English. — Contents Introduction Identifying potentially vulnerable groups Research in a language or format other than English Summary Further support Introduction If your research will involve potentially vulnerable groups or will be conducted in a language or format other than English (i.e. British Sign Language or Braille) then there are a number of other…

In this post we will explore consent vs assent and what additional considerations you may have in obtaining assent where your research is with children and young people. — Contents Introduction Obtaining parental consent Types of parental consent Information sheets for children and young people Summary Further support Introduction Consent is the agreement to take part that is provided by your participant. If your participant is aged 16 years or older, we use the term consent but if they are under…

In this post we explore types of consent and best practice for constructing a written consent form. — Contents Introduction Written vs verbal consent One off versus ongoing consent Components of a good consent form Summary Further support Introduction Once your participants have had the opportunity to review the information in your Participant Information Sheet (PIS), they may decide to take part in your study. …

In this post we will explore best practices for providing further information to participants after they have applied to your research study. — Contents Introduction Providing information after initial contact Components of a good PIS Constructing your PIS Summary Further support Introduction This post is part of a series covering ethical issues relating to researcher participation and consent, the full series is linked at the end of this post and we recommend you read the…

In this post we will look at the recruitment of participants to your research study including approaching them and your research materials. — Contents Introduction Approaching participants Using Gatekeepers Recruitment materials Summary Further Support Introduction An essential part of any research study that involves human participants is recruiting individuals to take part. …