How we protect your data

We protect your personal data against unauthorised access, unlawful use, accidental loss, corruption, and destruction. 

We use technical measures such as encryption and password protection to protect your data and the systems in which they are held, and the information that we receive is stored securely in a study database. Access to the study database is by unique combinations of usernames and passwords and only authorised study personnel can access information about participants. The University building is also secure with authorised swipe card access only. 

We also use operational measures to protect the data, for example by limiting the number of people who have access to the databases in which your data is held. And whenever possible, your personal identifiers (name, date of birth, NHS number (or CHI number in Scotland) and address) will be removed and replaced by a unique trial ID number. Your data is treated in the strictest confidence and is used solely for academic research purposes. Importantly, no individuals will be identified in any publications arising from this work. 

We keep these security measures under review and refer to University Security Policies to keep up to date with current best practice.