Contents

Summary

Data ethics refers to the principles and moral obligations that guide how an organisation collects, shares, and uses data, especially personal data. Its aims are to ensure that data is used fairly, in a non-discriminatory way. It's about preserving the trust of users, clients, employees, and partners when dealing with data, and is a crucial aspect of modern governance, given the increasing reliance on data in decision-making processes.

Categories

The categories applicable to this standard are:

Information and Data Management
  • Data Governance
  • Data Ethics
  • Data Protection

Purpose

For any data initiative in DfE, there must be a clear articulation of its purpose, including having clarity on the public benefit the initiative is trying to achieve.

Data ethics is mandated as part of the National Data Strategy and the Data Ethics Framework must be followed.

How to meet this standard

To be compliant, you need to ensure you are following government-wide data ethics requirements.

What all DfE staff, including consultants, contractors and third-party suppliers must do

  1. Document any possible unintended consequences (including risks and negative consequences) and associated mitigations.
  2. Document and periodically revisit taxpayer benefits and appropriate use of public resources.
  3. Engage and consult with external domain expert(s) where feasible.
  4. Ensure data analysis, profiling or automated decision making does not result in outcomes that lead to discrimination as defined in the Equality Act 2012.
  5. Assess data for potential bias prior to sharing or analysis.
  6. Consider whether data insights are being used responsibly.
  7. Review existing data handling practices, identifying any risks and current ethical gaps.

More information on how to apply this standard can be found in the Data Ethics Framework (DfE Intranet).

Declaring conformance with this standard

Conformance with the standard must be recorded every 12 months.

Owner and contacts

Standard owner
Saheel Sankriwala
Chief Technology and Data Officer
Other point of contact
DDT Standards
Team