This Data Use & Research Governance document outlines how Bainbridge Consulting manages research and evaluation data throughout its lifecycle, including collection, classification, use, storage, sharing, retention, and disposal.
It applies to all research, evaluation, advisory, and analytical activities undertaken by Bainbridge Consulting, including activities conducted on behalf of government agencies, not-for-profit organisations, and other commissioned clients.
This document operates alongside our Privacy Policy, Research Ethics & Integrity framework, and Information Security controls.
Bainbridge Consulting manages research data in accordance with the following principles:
Data is collected and used only for legitimate and defined purposes
Data governance controls are proportionate to sensitivity and risk
Privacy, confidentiality, and ethical obligations are integrated into research practice
Analytical integrity and evidentiary quality are maintained throughout the research lifecycle
Access to data is restricted to authorised personnel with legitimate operational requirements
Research and evaluation activities may involve:
Personal information
Sensitive information
Organisational and operational data
Survey and interview responses
De-identified datasets
Aggregated analytical outputs
Data may be received directly from participants, provided by client organisations, or generated through research and analytical processes.
Data is collected only where reasonably necessary for defined research, evaluation, operational, or reporting purposes.
We use research data to:
Conduct evaluation and analytical activities
Identify trends, findings, and evidence-based insights
Prepare reports and recommendations for authorised stakeholders
Support quality assurance and methodological integrity
Data is not used for unrelated commercial exploitation or unauthorised secondary purposes.
Data is managed according to its sensitivity, identifiability, and operational risk.
Where practicable:
Personal identifiers are separated from analytical datasets
De-identification techniques are applied before broader analytical use
Access permissions are limited according to project role and operational need
Additional safeguards may apply where datasets involve:
Vulnerable populations
Health or cultural information
Small cohorts with elevated re-identification risk
Government-protected or confidential information
Research data is disclosed only where:
Authorised by contract or project scope
Required or authorised by law
Supported by participant consent
Necessary for approved research collaboration or project delivery
Where third-party service providers or subcontractors are engaged, reasonable steps are taken to ensure equivalent confidentiality, privacy, and security protections apply.
We do not sell research datasets or disclose identifiable information for unrelated commercial purposes.
Research and evaluation data is retained only for as long as necessary to:
Fulfil project and reporting obligations
Comply with legal, contractual, ethical, and recordkeeping requirements
Maintain evidentiary integrity where required
When data is no longer required, it is securely destroyed or de-identified where appropriate.
Bainbridge Consulting is committed to maintaining integrity in research design, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
We take reasonable steps to ensure:
Methodologies are proportionate to the research objective
Findings are evidence-based and appropriately contextualised
Limitations and assumptions are transparently identified
Analysis is not intentionally manipulated to misrepresent findings
This document should be read together with:
Privacy Policy
Research Ethics & Integrity
Information Security
Terms of Service
Where inconsistency arises, applicable legislation, contractual obligations, and ethical requirements prevail.
This document is reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with legislative obligations, operational requirements, and contemporary research governance standards.
Version: 5.0 - Research Governance Version
Last Updated: 1 May 2026