Privacy Notice for Research Participants
Your Privacy Matters
Thank you for taking part in our research.
When you share your views with us, we want you to know exactly how we will use your information. This notice explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how we protect it and the choices available to you.
We carry out market research and business insight projects only. We do not use your information to sell products or services to you. We do not use your information for direct marketing.
Participation in our research is always voluntary.
Who Are We?
We are Associate Enterprises Limited t/a Clemark Group.
We help organisations understand the views, experiences and needs of the public, customers, employees, suppliers and business decision-makers.
If you have any questions about this notice or how we use your information, please contact us.
Why Have We Contacted You?
We have contacted you because we believe you may be able to contribute to a research project.
This may be because:
- you work in a particular industry or profession;
- your organisation has been selected for research;
- you have taken part in research before and agreed to future contact;
- your contact information was obtained from a reputable business information source; or
- a client asked us to contact people who meet specific professional criteria.
Taking part is entirely your choice.
What Information Do We Collect?
The information we collect depends on the research project.
We may collect your name, job title, organisation name, business email address, business telephone number and information about your professional role.
If you take part in research, we will collect the answers and opinions that you choose to provide. For example, we may ask about your experiences, needs, challenges, priorities or views on products and services.
We also keep records of your consent, participation history and any incentives we provide. This helps us manage projects correctly and meet industry quality standards.
How Do We Use Your Information?
We use your information to:
- invite you to take part in research;
- confirm that you meet the requirements for a study;
- conduct surveys, interviews and discussion groups;
- analyse research findings;
- manage incentives and participant payments;
- maintain research quality standards; and
- prevent fraud or duplicate participation.
We use your information only for research purposes unless we tell you otherwise.
Will Anyone Know What I Said?
Usually, no.
In most projects, your answers are combined with the answers of other participants and reported anonymously.
This means that clients normally see findings such as trends, themes and statistics, not the names of individual participants.
If we ever need to share information that could identify you, we will explain this beforehand and ask for your permission where required.
Protecting participant confidentiality is a fundamental requirement of recognised market research standards.
Are Interviews or Focus Groups Recorded?
Sometimes.
We may record interviews, focus groups or online discussions to help us analyse the research accurately.
If a session will be recorded, we will tell you before the recording starts. We will explain:
- what is being recorded;
- why we are recording it;
- who will be able to access it; and
- how long it will be kept.
You can decide whether you wish to participate.
Do You Sell My Information?
No.
We do not sell personal information.
We do not use research responses to target participants with advertising, marketing or sales activities.
Our role is to understand opinions and experiences, not to market products or services.
Who Do We Share Information With?
Sometimes we work with trusted organisations that help us deliver research projects.
These may include participant-recruitment agencies, survey platform providers, data processors, moderators and research partners.
They may only use your information for the services they provide to us and must protect it in line with data protection laws and confidentiality agreements.
Where required by law, we may also share information with regulators, courts or law enforcement agencies.
How Do We Protect Your Information?
We take information security seriously.
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorised access or disclosure.
These measures include secure systems, controlled access, staff training, confidentiality obligations and security monitoring. These controls support the requirements of ISO 20252, ISO 27001 and data protection law.
How Long Do We Keep Information?
We keep personal information only for as long as necessary.
The length of time depends on the type of project and our legal, contractual and quality obligations.
When information is no longer needed, it is securely deleted, anonymised or archived in accordance with our retention policies.
What Are Your Rights?
You have rights over your personal information.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to:
- ask for a copy of the information we hold about you;
- ask us to correct inaccurate information;
- ask us to delete information;
- object to certain types of processing;
- restrict how we use information; or
- withdraw consent where we rely on your consent.
To exercise your rights, please contact us using the details in this notice.
Can You Withdraw From Research?
Yes.
Taking part in research is voluntary. You can stop participating at any time.
You can also ask us not to contact you about future research opportunities.
Choosing not to participate will not affect any relationship you have with us or with our clients.
How Can You Contact Us?
If you have any questions, concerns or complaints about this notice or how we use your information, please contact us.
Please contact us first. If you are not satisfied with our response, you can also complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.