Guidance

Data Ethics Framework

Guidance for public sector organisations on how to use data appropriately and responsibly when planning, implementing, and evaluating a new policy or service.

• From: Central Digital and Data Office
• Published: 13 June 2018
• Last updated: 16 September 2020 — See all updates

Documents

Data Ethics Framework

HTML

Data Ethics Framework

PDF, 524 KB, 38 pages

Data Ethics Framework: glossary and methodology

HTML

Data Ethics Framework: legislation and codes of practice for use of data

HTML

Data Ethics Framework: editable template

ODT, 538 KB

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Details

The Data Ethics Framework is a set of principles to guide the design of appropriate data use in the public sector. It is aimed at anyone working with data in the public sector, including:

• data practitioners (for example statisticians, analysts and data scientists)
• policymakers
• operational staff
• people helping to produce data-informed insight

The ‘Data Ethics Framework: legislation and codes of practice for use of data’ document outlines the main pieces of legislation that apply to using data.

The ‘Data Ethics Framework: editable template’ document will help teams working with data record their answers to the framework questions.

Published 13 June 2018
Last updated 16 September 2020 + show all updates

1. 16 September 2020

   Replaced the 2018 Data Ethics Framework with the 2020 version. The 2020 Data Ethics Framework consists of 3 overarching principles (transparency, accountability, fairness) and 5 specific actions that will help teams improve ethical standards in their work.

2. 30 August 2018

   PDF version of the Data Ethics Framework added.

3. 13 June 2018

   First published.