Ethics, Research Data Risk Assessment and Public Benefit Test

In order to comply with internal University of Leeds policies on ethics, research data risk assessment and public benefit test the PI is required to complete additional forms (one for Ethics and one for Research Data Risk Assessment) and return them to the FRO BEFORE the application is submitted. Both forms needs to be completed irrespective of the sponsor or the amount of funding applied for.

1) Download the Ethics Questionnaire

2) Link to the University’s Research Data Risk assessment webpage - http://researchsupport.leeds.ac.uk/index.php/policy_and_performance/uol_policies_related_to_research/data_backup_and_storage/
Guidance on how to complete the form:
i) Read the procedure and then download and print either a Word or an Excel copy of the "Research Data Risk Assessment Application Stage" form.

ii) Before completing the form, please contact the PVAC Faculty IT Manager, Tim Banks (ext 32534, t.banks@leeds.ac.uk) who will assist you and answer any questions you might have. Please note that Tim requires five working days’ notice so please make sure you contact him soon.

Points to note:
There are two aspects that you need to consider in relation to your research data.
a) Data criticality (how do I ensure that my research data is protected from loss / corruption etc.)

b) Data sensitivity (how do I ensure that only those authorised to view the data are able to do so)

Some data may not be sensitive, but would have a major impact on the project if it was lost and could not be recovered. Other data may be easy to recreate if it was lost, but would seriously damage the University's reputation if it was released into the public domain (by, for example, being stored unencrypted on a laptop which was then lost or stolen). Some data may be both critical and sensitive.

Question 1: If you are intending to store the sole copy of your data in your University home directory (also known as your 'M: drive' or the departmental shared area also know as your 'N: drive' and access to this data is properly restricted), then the answer to this question will be 'Yes'. If you intend to store data on portable devices (laptops, external hard drives etc.), then you must contact your Faculty/School IT manager for advice, because this may not comply with legal and funder requirements, especially if the data is sensitive.
Questions 2 - 4: Please contact the Faculty Research Office if you are not sure how to answer these questions.
It is very important that the right data storage facilities are identified at the pre-award stage, so any costs can be included in your application.

3) To ensure that your grant proposal complies with the Public Benefit Test, could you please confirm that the project conforms to these criteria:
1) Does the proposed research follow Leeds objectives and values, to advance and enhance knowledge and understanding?
2) Is the research being carried out for the benefit of the public?

Further guidance on the Public Benefit Test and the questions above can be found at:
http://researchsupport.leeds.ac.uk/index.php/academic_staff/application_process/public_benefit_test-1/criteria-1/