Privacy Notice: Acas product evaluation framework – pilot research
In line with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), this privacy notice explains how your personal data will be processed, used, and protected during your participation in this research. This research is being conducted by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) on behalf of Acas.
What is the purpose of the research?
The purpose of this research is to develop and pilot a standard approach to evaluate Acas training and workplace advice projects. To do this, IES will invite a small number of previous training delegates to participate in an interview to give their feedback on the proposed evaluation survey. Following this feedback, the survey will be refined and distributed to a sample of previous training delegates. Your participation will help us develop a standardised framework to understand the effectiveness and impact of Acas training and advice services, identify areas for improvement, and ensure future training and advice products can have a greater impact on individuals and organisations.
What is the legal basis for processing my data?
Acas is the data controller for this project. This means that they are responsible for deciding the purpose and legal basis for processing data. For this project, the legal basis for processing data is Article 6(1)(e) of the General Data Protection Regulation where “processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the [data] controller”.
When you registered for training, events or tailored support with Acas, you agreed to terms and conditions, which stated that:
(9.3) Acas attaches significant importance to the evaluation of its services. It will evaluate services following delivery based on completed evaluation forms. Acas agrees to share the outcome of that evaluation with you. In addition, Acas or its research contractor may approach you to carry out a further evaluation of the impact of the training at a later date.
(9.4) We will only share your personal information with third parties where the law requires us to do so.
Evaluation data is used to monitor and develop services to fulfil Acas’s general duty to promote the improvement of industrial relations. Acas’s Privacy Notice is available online here: www.acas.org.uk/privacy
Who will have access to my data?
Acas will distribute the research invitations to training delegates. In these invitations, you may be asked if you wish to volunteer to participate in an interview or an online survey. If you choose to take part in an interview:
- You will be asked to provide a contact email address that will be shared directly with IES. The sole purpose of collecting your email address is to invite you to an interview.
- During the interview, IES will collect data on how you understand, interpret, and respond to survey questions, focusing on your thought processes. We may also ask about your experience of the training, learning and any associated outcomes.
- IES may also collect basic job informationsuch as your role, sector, or organisation size, which will be used for analytical purposes to understand variations in experiences, but will not be used to identify you personally.
If you participate in the survey:
- Your email address will be linked initially to your survey responses, to enable Acas to send you a personalised invitation; only Acas will see this.
- You may be asked in the survey if you wish to be contacted by IES to discuss your training experience further. If you choose to volunteer, you will be asked to provide a contact email address. This is not compulsory and does not affect your ability to complete the survey.
- Your responses will be anonymised (email address removed) before being shared with IES for analysis. If you consented to a follow-up discussion and have provided an email address, this data will be provided to IES.
- You will not be identifiable in any reporting outputs.
How will my data be used?
- Interviews will be recorded with your explicit consent, and detailed notes will be taken. These will be used to accurately capture your responses.
- Your anonymous interview notes will be combined with those of other participants and analysed thematically to identify common themes, insights, and patterns.
- Interview data will be anonymised before analysis and reporting.
- Survey data IES receive from Acas will be anonymous.
- All data will be stored securely on IES's password-protected systems, in compliance with data protection regulations.
How long will my data be kept?
The personal data we may have used to contact you, as well as the audio files from interview recordings, will be securely deleted from the IES systems after this project is complete (approx. April 2026).
Who can I contact if I would like to withdraw my interview data?
Participation in this research is entirely voluntary. You can request deletion of your raw interview responses up until they have been anonymised and pooled for analysis (approximately two weeks after your interview).
To exercise your withdrawal rights or ask any questions, please contact the Project Manager at IES: megan.edwards@employment-studies.co.uk
Who can I contact with a query about how my data will be used?
If you have any questions or concerns about how your data is being handled in this research, or any questions about the research project, please contact:
Acas Project Manager: Emily Starling: estarling@acas.org.uk
Who can I contact with a complaint?
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's independent authority for upholding information rights: www.ico.org.uk