The Data Ethics Framework Refresh

The GDS Data Ethics team is planning a refresh of the Data Ethics Framework. We want to ensure the Framework meets user needs and continues to support the responsible use of data and data-driven technologies across the public sector. We are circulating a survey to gather input from the community and help shape the Framework’s next iteration.

We take your privacy seriously.

Your response is confidential and will not be shared with anyone outside the Data Ethics team in GDS.
Your email address will only be requested voluntarily. If you choose to provide your email address, it will only be used to contact you for follow-up research.
We may collate and share anonymised summary data with wider teams in GDS and in public communications, such as blogs.

This privacy notice explains how we handle the data collected from you and how we use it.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the team at data-ethics@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk.

Thank you!

1. Which best describes your role? *

2. Do you have any conditions that impact your use of technology? Select all that apply (optional)

Sight - I'm blind, partially sighted, colour blind, or have a sensitivity to light
Hearing - I'm deaf or hard of hearing
Speech - I have difficulty speaking clearly
Thinking and understanding - I have autism, a mental health condition, or learning difficulties
Mobility - I have difficulty getting around or using a mouse and keyboard
Temporary - I have an injury
Invisible condition - this could be menopause, a mental health condition, or something else
No, I don't have any conditions that impact my use of technology

3. Have you ever used, or do you currently use, the UK Data Ethics Framework? *

If yes, in what context have you used the Framework? Please provide as much detail as possible (for example, did you use it as part of a team activity, or solo?)

4. Do you use any other ethics-related guidance, frameworks or tools in your day-to-day work?

If yes, what do you use? And why?

5. Are there any terms or concepts you find unclear in the current Data Ethics Framework?

Yes
No
Not sure

If yes, could you identify which term(s) or concept(s)?

6. Does the Data Ethics Framework provide sufficient examples to clarify how to put its principles (transparency, accountability and fairness) into practice?

No
Yes
Not sure

If no, what additional examples or case studies would be helpful?

7. Are there any ethical risks that you have encountered in your projects that are not captured in the Data Ethics Framework?

No
Yes
Not sure

If yes, what changes would you suggest to ensure these risks are covered in the new Data Ethics Framework?

8. Do you find the self-scoring element of the current Data Ethics Framework useful?

Yes
No
Not sure

If no, how do you think the scoring section could be improved?

9. Are there any barriers that might prevent you from using the Framework? Select all that apply.

10. Which principles are relevant to the projects that you work on? Select all that apply.

11. Which of the following updates to the Framework would you find useful? Select all that apply.

A modular framework, with modules on specific topics (such as unstructured data)
A section on AI
An interactive platform
A self-scoring section for evaluating ethical risks
Information about other resources
An expanded set of ethical principles
Other (please specify):

The Data Ethics Framework Refresh - Survey