Everyone in our University community interacts with data and information, whether you’re a researcher delving into scientific discovery, a professional services staff member running operations, or a student navigating daily life. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of the Data and Information Management Guide, a resource designed for everyone in our university community.

Data and information matters

We all have a responsibility to manage data and information effectively. This ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements but also makes our work easier and more efficient. When we know what data and information we have, where it’s stored, and how it can be used, we create a safe, organised, better-informed university. The Handbook provides guidance for managing all types of university data and information - from management data and academic records to research findings and archives.

It will help you to:

• handle data safely to protect privacy and reduce risks
• understand terminology, including personal data, research data, and archives
• confidently use and manage data and information to the best of your ability

The guidance explains key concepts like data, information, records, and archives. It also offers practical advice, so whether you’re managing paper records, digital files, or complex research datasets, the guidance is your guide to all things data and information.

Next steps

By familiarising yourself with the guidance and incorporating its guidance into your day-to-day activities, you’ll contribute to a well-managed, compliant, and efficient university environment. Together, we can build a culture of confident and effective data use across our institution.

We’ll be posting a set of articles highlighting each section over the coming months, followed by optional interactive training sessions and drop-in Q&As for anyone who wants to learn more.