Ethics Toolkit

The Ethics Toolkit explores the legal and ethical considerations in using client data for research purposes. The tools were informed by our research into current consent and confidentiality practices in homelessness services, legal responsibilities, ethical frameworks, consultations with clients and staff, and practice in analogous sectors and environments.

The toolkit includes resources specifically for clients, frontline staff and organisations/managers. The tools are designed to be dow nloaded and can be used as templates or adapted to meet your organisation’s needs.

• Go to Resources for Clients
  
• Go to Resources for Frontline Staff
  
• Go to Resources for Organisations

 The aims of the Ethics Toolkit are to:

• Embed a clear approach to informed consent around all uses of client data
• Address the legal and ethical issues of using client data outside the organisation and in research contexts and provide practical solutions
• Improve client understanding of how their information is collected and used
• Improve frontline staff understandings of their responsibilities and the rights of clients in managing a client’s personal information
• Assist organisations in developing policy and procedures that reflect good practice

For further detail on the research which underpins this toolkit please see our report: ‘From Private to Public – Ethical considerations in using operational data for national research purposes’.

Please note, this toolkit provides information and general guidance only and is not legal advice.