Collecting information
We do regular research to find out how people use local government services in Wales and what they need from new services. This helps us understand how we can create services that work better for people in Wales.
Please read this information about our research. You should use this information to decide if you’d like to take part. If you have any questions or you would like to receive this information in an alternative format you can get in touch with Chris Sutton or Tom Brame by emailing chris.sutton@wlga.gov.uk or tom.brame@wlga.gov.uk.
Key points
- Participation is voluntary and you can stop at any time.
- Staff from WLGA and others may observe the research.
- WLGA may collect personal data about you, which could include personal characteristics, notes, recordings, or photos.
- Your data will be used to help improve local government services in Wales.
- WLGA may need to pass on your personal data if we are required to do so by law.
- WLGA may need to pass on your personal data if we are concerned about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult.
- If you agree, WLGA may use your data for training purposes.
- If you agree, WLGA may make the research findings public.
- If your data is used in public reports it will be anonymised.
Research interviews
We sometimes invite people to participate in short sessions to gain a better understanding of their needs and feelings around services in Wales.
Your research session will be no longer than 45 minutes.
Before we start, we will recap the main points covered in this information sheet, and you will have a chance to ask any questions. We’ll also ask you to confirm that you’re happy to take part by asking you to give consent by returning the attached Content Form.
During the session we will ask you questions about your role and the service(s) you work on. This may also involve you sharing your screen to demonstrate the points discussed.
You can take a break or stop at any time.
Staff from WLGA or local authorities in Wales may observe your research session. This allows the team to see and learn from what happens during the research.
Confidentiality
Some of the ideas, designs and services you see in the research session may be confidential. We ask that you do not tell anyone else about these ideas, designs or services until they are made public. We also ask that you do not take away copies of any materials used in the session.
Withdrawing from the research
You can withdraw your data from the research after completing a session and before we start sharing our research findings. You do not have to give a reason.
If you would like to withdraw your data, please get in touch with Chris Sutton or Tom Brame by emailing chris.sutton@wlga.gov.uk or tom.brame@wlga.gov.uk.
HOW WE COLLECT AND PROCESS YOUR DATA
When inviting you to take part
The personal data we collect from you at this stage could include name, age, gender, ethnicity, disability, details of any condition that can affect your ability to use a computer, job title, email address, phone number.
During the research session
Staff from WLGA will take detailed notes during your research session.
The researcher may also ask for your consent to collect additional information such as sound and video recordings, photos and copies of documents. You can choose not to have that additional information collected.
How we use your data
WLGA will use extracts from any notes, recordings, photos or other data from your session to illustrate our research findings. These findings will be used to help improve local government services.
If you agree to us sharing your data more widely, we may include extracts in publicly available reports. If we do this, we will anonymise your data so that you’re not identifiable.
We will share your data if we’re required to do so by law. For example, by a court order, or to prevent fraud or other crime.
We will also share your data in the event of a serious safeguarding concern. For example, if we are concerned about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult.
Further information
If you have any other questions after your research session please contact Chris Sutton or Tom Brame by emailing chris.sutton@wlga.gov.uk or tom.brame@wlga.gov.uk.
User research privacy notice
We carry out research to understand ways to improve local government services in Wales.
This privacy notice gives you general information on how we handle research data at WLGA.
For more details about a specific piece of research, you can refer to the information sheet provided when you’re invited to take part in that project. This should also include contact details for the researcher and their team in case you have any further questions.