Privacy Policy
At The Research Panel, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and other applicable laws. It applies to all individuals who interact with us, including research participants, clients, and website visitors.
1. Who We Are
The Research Panel is a UK-based agency specializing in recruiting participants for market research studies. We act as the data controller for the personal data we process, meaning we are responsible for ensuring its protection.
Contact Details:
Address: The Research Panel
Email: nick@theresearchpanel.co.uk
Phone: 07812345098
Data Protection Officer: Nick Middleton
For any questions or concerns about your data, please contact us using the details above.
2. What Data We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal data, depending on your interaction with us:
Identity and Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number.
Demographic Information: Age, gender, occupation, or other details relevant to research studies.
Behavioral Data: Preferences, interests, or responses provided during research.
Financial Information: Payment details for incentives (e.g., cash or vouchers), if applicable.
Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and device information when you visit our website.
Special Category Data: In limited cases, health or other sensitive data for specific research (e.g., healthcare studies), with your explicit consent.
3. How We Collect Your Data
We collect data through:
Direct Interactions: When you register as a participant, complete surveys, or contact us.
Client Projects: When you participate in research studies we manage for clients.
Website Usage: Through cookies and analytics tools (see Section 10).
Third Parties: From trusted partners or public sources, such as social media or industry networks, for recruitment purposes.
4. Why We Use Your Data
We use your personal data for the following purposes:
Recruiting and managing participants for market research studies.
Conducting research on behalf of clients.
Communicating with you about research opportunities or services.
Managing our participant database and improving our services.
Processing payments for incentives, where applicable.
Complying with legal or regulatory obligations.
5. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your data based on the following lawful bases:
Consent: When you agree to participate in research or provide data voluntarily.
Contract: To fulfill agreements with you, such as participation in a study or client services.
Legitimate Interests: For purposes like improving our services or managing our database, provided your rights are not overridden.
Legal Obligation: To meet regulatory requirements, such as tax or data protection laws.
For special category data (e.g., health), we rely on your explicit consent or other lawful bases, such as research purposes in the public interest.
6. Who We Share Your Data With
We may share your data with:
Clients: Limited data necessary for research, under strict confidentiality agreements, ensuring anonymity in research outputs.
Service Providers: Trusted third parties (e.g., IT or payment processors) who support our operations, bound by data protection contracts.
Regulators: When required by law, such as for audits or investigations.
We do not sell your personal data to third parties for marketing purposes.
7. How Long We Keep Your Data
We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined or as required by law. For research purposes, data is typically kept for up to 1 year after a project ends, then securely deleted or anonymized. Specific retention periods depend on project requirements or legal obligations.
8. Your Data Protection Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:
Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
Erasure: Request deletion of your data, where applicable.
Restriction: Limit how we process your data in certain cases.
Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format.
Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent at any time, without affecting prior lawful processing.
No Automated Decision-Making: You will not be subject to decisions based solely on automated processing that significantly affect you.
To exercise these rights, contact us at [Insert Email]. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.
9. Data Security
We use robust technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including:
Encryption of data in transit and at rest.
Access controls and authentication protocols.
Regular security audits and staff training.
Secure deletion of data no longer needed.
10. Cookies and Website Tracking
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyze usage. Cookies are small files stored on your device. You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings or our Cookie Policy [Insert Link to Cookie Policy, if applicable].
11. Confidentiality and Anonymity
We ensure the confidentiality of your personal data. Individual responses are not disclosed except as necessary for research or as required by law. Research outputs are presented in aggregated or anonymized form to protect your identity, in line with Market Research Society (MRS) standards.
12. International Data Transfers
If we transfer data outside the UK, we ensure adequate protection through safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the ICO or by confirming the recipient country has equivalent data protection laws.
13. Children’s Data
We do not knowingly collect data from children under 16 without parental consent. If we discover such data has been collected, we will delete it promptly. Parents or guardians can contact us at [Insert Email] with concerns.
14. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Significant updates will be posted on our website, and we may notify you via email or other means. Please check this page periodically for the latest version.
15. Contact Us
For questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer:
Email: nick@thereseachpanel.co.uk