Feasibility study: Privacy notice

About the study

This privacy notice sets out how we will process information from everyone who takes part in this research. In line with GDPR (the EU General Data Protection Regulation), it explains the legal basis of this study for data processing; who will have access to participants’ personal data; how this data will be used, stored and deleted; and how to submit a query or a complaint.

If you would like to know more about what the research is about, what taking part will involve, or how to contact the research team, please see the information sheet given to you with this privacy notice, or visit our study webpage at natcen.ac.uk/feasibility.

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is the data processor for this project. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the funder and data controller for this research. Contact details for both organisations are provided below.

What is the legal basis for processing my data?

For this project, the legal basis for processing data is public task or official authority vested in the data controller. This means we are carrying out a specific task in the public interest which is laid down by law.

Who will have access to my personal data?

NatCen is carrying out this research and will have access to names, contact details and (if relevant) job role information (where permission has been given to share these). NatCen will also have access to recordings and transcripts of interviews and focus groups.

McGowan Transcriptions transcribe our interviews and focus groups. Where transcription is required, they will have access to recordings and transcripts from interviews. McGowan Transcriptions is on our approved supplier list and compliant with all our information security policies.

ONS will not have access to any personal data. Rather, NatCen will provide a written report to the ONS that presents thematic findings from the research. The report may include some verbatim quotations, but no identifiable information will be included.

How will my data be used?

The results collected are used for research purposes only. All data that has been collected is handled in accordance with data protection legislation. The information you provide will be used to write research outputs (such as published and internal reports and presentations). The findings will be anonymised and we will not include the names of individuals or organisations in the research outputs.

Where will my personal data be stored?

All personal data are stored securely, in line with international best practice and NatCen’s ISO27001, ISO 20252 and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications. Identifiable data will be stored by NatCen for three months from the end of the project and then securely destroyed, unless other arrangements are agreed.

Will I have access to my data?

Yes, if you would like to access your data please get in touch via the contact details provided below.

Can I change my mind?

Yes. If you take part in an individual interview, you are able to withdraw your contribution at any point until the data is analysed by contacting the research team. If you take part in a paired interview or focus group, you will be free to withdraw participation up until the discussion begins. You can also skip questions you prefer not to answer or stop at any time.

Please note that once our findings have been shared outside of the research team, we would not be able to change the results by removing individual information. You can request that your personal data held by us be deleted or updated and we will let you know immediately if this is possible or not.

Who can I contact with a query or a complaint?

We would welcome the opportunity of discussing the research with you to address any concerns directly. Please do feel free to contact us if you have any questions – at QualResearch@natcen.ac.uk or 0808 168 2153.

If you prefer to speak to the ONS, you can call them on 020 7592 8695, or write to crimestatistics@ons.gov.uk or them at ONS, Segensworth Road, Titchfield, Fareham, Hampshire PO15 5RR.

If you believe we have not complied with your data protection rights, you can contact us at dpo@natcen.ac.uk. Alternatively, you can contact the ONS Data Protection Officer on 0845 601 3034, at dpo@statistics.gov.uk, or at Office for National Statistics, Segensworth Road, Titchfield, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 5RR.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office on 0303 123 1113, at https://ico.org.uk/concerns, or at Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.