Survey Research and Data Privacy Half – Day Course 18.05.11 - 1/2 Day course 

This half day workshop will provide delegates with the opportunity to learn more about the changing legislative landscape and the impact on social research. In 2005 the SRA and the Market Research Society collaborated on producing a set of guidelines aimed at helping social researchers have a clearer view of the situation. These have recently been updated.

The EU Directive on Data Privacy (1996) led to the UK Data Protection Act (1998), which became law in 2001. This changed the rules of the game for those researchers reliant on personal data. Since this act became law, further regulations on Privacy and Electronic Communication were introduced in 2003 that pose fresh challenges for some research methodologies. Finally, the Freedom of Information Act (2005) created other issues for those commissioning or conducting research in the public sector to consider. However ten years on, issues to do with data privacy still regularly make the headlines, and as a response the powers of the Information Commissioner have been steadily increased, with new guidance being issued on a regular basis. The EU Directive is currently being updated and the research sector has raised several key issues in the consultation process. 
By the end of the workshop, delegates will:

Have a clear grasp of how the UK legislation impacts on social and public sector research projects 
Understand the content and implications of the guidelines that the MRS and SRA have developed 
Understand how to develop a compliance framework 
Understand how the requirements of the legislation need to be reflected in relationships with third parties 
Understand the key implications of the FOI for social research and the relationship with the Data Protection Act. 
 
Topics:  Content includes:

Translating the definitions used in the legislation into the research context 
How the legislation creates a differentiation between personal data used for “classic” survey research and for other purposes 
A framework for identifying permissible disclosure of personal level data from research projects 
Impact on different methodologies and the various stages/roles within the research process 
Meeting the expectations of respondents and respecting their rights 
Where to find further advice and guidance 
An opportunity to work through the sort of issues faced by researchers 
 
Who will benefit? Researchers and those responsible for quality and compliance issues for social research and public sector projects. 

For more information please see: http://www.the-sra.org.uk/training/survey_research_data_privacy_18052011.htm or [log in to unmask] / 020 7388 2416


Best wishes,

Maki Deguchi,

Training and Events Administrator
Social Research Association
24-32 Stephenson Way
London
NW1 2HX
T: (+44) 020 7388 2416
E: [log in to unmask]
W: www.the-sra.org.uk
The Social Research Association is a registered charity -  Number 1123940. It is a Company Limited by Guarantee and registered with the Companies Office for England and Wales  – company number 6407985, having its registered offices at 24 - 32 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HX.
 Disclaimer: This email and attachments has been sent in confidence to the named addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient you must not disclose or distribute it in any form, and you are asked to delete and contact the sender immediately. The contents of this message will not be in any way binding upon the Social Research Association. Opinions, conclusions, contractual obligations and other information in this message, in so far as they relate to the official business of the Social Research Association, must be specifically confirmed in writing by the Social research Association.
Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail