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Compliance & finance · guide

Field Data Protection Note

Practical minimum standards for collecting, storing and sharing field data in humanitarian settings.

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01

Collect less

  • Collect only data needed for the stated purpose.
  • Avoid names, phone numbers and ID numbers in monitoring summaries.
  • Use site and household references rather than personal identifiers.

02

Store safely

  • Encrypted devices and password-protected accounts for all field staff.
  • No programme data in personal messaging apps or personal cloud accounts.
  • Defined retention period, with deletion recorded.

03

Share carefully

  • Aggregate before sharing outside the assignment team.
  • Named recipients only, through approved channels.
  • Never publish location data that could expose beneficiaries or staff.

04

Inform participants

  • Explain purpose, voluntariness and the right to decline before any interview.
  • Record consent as given, and stop when it is withdrawn.