Privacy notice: Community Discussion

What’s on offer?

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh will present research findings about public attitudes towards the reuse of personal data by government services and researchers. The interactive presentation will invite q & a and discussion from the audience. Participants will also be invited to express their thoughts on printed material, such as posters and postcards. An artist will be capturing the discussion visually. 

What’s it about?

Around 1.2 million people in Scotland receive some form of benefit/social security payment. To get these payments individuals provide personal information about themselves (e.g. bank records, medical records, proof of identity). This data is used by the government in the administration of the services. However, there is often little awareness of what happens to this data or discussion about what responsible data reuse would look like. 

In this event, we will present findings from our recent research where we spoke to 41 citizens in receipt of benefits and 13 stakeholders. We asked what data sharing is; how participants think their data is currently being shared; attitudes towards a series of proposed pathways for the sharing of their data within different parts of government; discussion of the perceived risks; the qualities of ethical and responsible data sharing; and areas of research they would like to see their data used for. 

This event seeks to continue this discussion, raising awareness of current data sharing practices and hear thoughts from the wider community about these issues. 

Who’s leading the event?

Dr Morgan Currie, Senior Lecturer 

Dr Vicky Gorton, Lecturer 

Open to

The event is open to all. 

Of particular interest to

It will be of particular interest to those who have experience of receiving benefits/social security payments, or that know someone that is. 

Event Booking details

This is a drop-in event, no need to book in advance. 

Scheduling information

(This event will also take place again on 7th November, 6-7pm, at North Edinburgh Arts, 12C Macmillan Square, Edinburgh. )