Who is undertaking this project? 

The research project is being undertaken by a research team based in the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) within the University of Essex 

What are the purpose(s) for which data are being processed within this project? 

Understanding Society is an ongoing longitudinal household panel study that covers the UK. 

The Understanding Society Hair sample study is part of the wider Understanding Society Study and involves adults and children aged 0-15 years in the household being invited to collect a hair sample and provide feedback on the collection process.  

What is the legal basis under which data is processed within this project? 

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a legal basis is required for processing of personal data. The legal basis under which data is processed within this project is: 

• Article 6 (1) (e) – “processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller;” 

Processing of data concerning ‘special categories’ of data require the fulfilment of an additional condition under GDPR. The specific condition fulfilled by the processing of such data within this project is: 

• Article 9 (2) (j) – “processing is necessary for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89(1) based on Union or Member State law which shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject.” 

For further information, see: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/lawful-basis-for-processing/ 

Under the Data Protection Act 2018 we are also required to identify an appropriate condition for processing Special Category Data, and this is Schedule 1, part 2, paragraph 13(1)a 

What categories of data will be obtained from these sources? 

The project will collect data from participants about the hair sample (e.g. colour of the hair, whether the hair is dyed) and their experience of collecting the sample. Personal data such as contact details are kept securely separate from study data and are not made available to researchers. 

Who will have access to the data from the project? 

Anonymised data from the project will be analysed by the research team at the Institute of Social and Economic Research to test the quality of the sample.   

Can I opt-out of the use of my data by the project? 

Yes, up until the point when the data are made available to the research team at the Institute for Social and Economic Research, sample members may request that their data are removed.  

How will my privacy be protected?  

No identifiable data, such as name and address, will be included in the data analysed by the research team. Identifiable data are stored on a separate secure server, with access limited only to those who require the information to contact sample members during the project.  

All data received at the University of Essex will be securely stored within an infrastructure that is certified to the internationally agreed standard for Information Security (ISO27001:2013).  

What are my rights in relation to the data? 

The General Data Protection Regulation provides the following rights for individuals in relation to their personal data: 

• The right to be informed 

• The right of access 

• The right of rectification 

• The right to erasure 

• The right to restrict processing 

• The right to data portability 

• The right to object 

• Rights in relation to automated decision making and profiling 

For further information, see: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/individual-rights/. 

Will my data be transferred to any organisations outside of the University of Essex? 

The hair sample barcode and hair questionnaire data will be transferred to Dresden LABservice, the laboratory carrying out the hair sample analysis. None of your personal details will be transferred to Dresden LABservice. 

How long will my data be retained by the project? 

Data will be retained by the Institute for Social and Economic Research for as long as it may be required.  

What approvals have been obtained by the research project? 

Ethics approval for the study has been provided by the University of Essex Ethics Sub-Committee 1, reference: ETH2526-0465. 

What if I have further questions? 

Any questions about the study, please contact the Participant Communications Team: 

Email: contact@understandingsociety.ac.uk 

If you have any questions about the security of your personal details, please email iserdpq@essex.ac.uk 

The University of Essex is the registered organisation for data protection purposes, and may be contacted at dataprotectionofficer@essex.ac.uk 

Additionally, any queries or concerns regarding the processing of personal data can be made to the Information Commissioner’s Office (https://ico.org.uk).