Researchers often work with other organisations to collaborate on research or share personal data, for example with other universities, councils, government, policing bodies or the NHS. The data protection assessment requirements for this type of personal data sharing are fully addressed within the EthOS application where researchers complete sections A through to L. When researchers complete the EthOS application, they should consider this sharing as a key part of the research project, and answer questions with reference to this sharing.
For example,
Where the application asks the researcher to explain how the personal data collected are relevant to their project (question D4.4.2 in the full application and F2.3.2 in the UG PGT application), they should consider how the sharing of personal data categories between Manchester Met and the external organisation is justifiable to meet the proposed purpose.
Where the application asks the researcher to describe any potential negative effects that the participants may experience as result of the project (question D4.4.1a in the full application, and F2.3.1a in the UG PGT application), this should include any effects of sharing the data beyond MMU or beyond the organisation that originally collected those data.
In addition, researchers are required to consider whether a data sharing agreement is required.
Question D7 in the full application and F2.4 in the UG PGT application now asks:
Will you be sharing personal data or special category (sensitive) personal data with external sources, or receiving it from external sources? (yes/ no).
Where a researcher selects ‘yes’, they are asked to contact [email protected] or [email protected] to discuss requirements, and to subsequently confirm they have done this.
As per the Research Data Protection Impact Assessment procedure, certain projects will require a separate external Research Data Protection Impact Assessment to be completed. Any collaboration work must be considered in detail in this document.
No further data protection assessments are required for this type of collaboration work.