Researchers must complete a Data Management Plan before the commencement of their research which defines the way in which the data will be stored, secured and retained in line with the WAUSDA guidelines. This approach includes data management, open access and records management policies and procedures that underpin the principles and responsibilities within The Code.
The Code sets out that researchers should:
- retain clear, accurate, secure and complete records of all research data and primary materials
- retain and be able to produce on request all relevant approvals, authorisations and other administrative documents, such as ethics and financial approvals, receipts and consent forms
- where possible and appropriate, allow access to research data and primary materials, in particular, to enable to facilitate the sharing of research data. This access should be facilitated by the use of indexes or catalogues of data and information generated, accessed and used during the research
- respect any project-specific conditions of consent or confidentiality obligations
- adhere to project-specific protocols that require measures beyond those required by institutional policy or relevant laws, regulations and guidelines, or research discipline-specific practices and standards
- report any inappropriate use of or access to or loss of data, in accordance with applicable institutional policies and, where relevant, other reporting schemes such as the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme
- ensure that agreements are in place to govern circumstances in which researchers leave the project or move from one institution to another during the course of the project
- ensure that agreements are in place between institutions for managing responsibilities set out in this guide for data and information in multicentre or collaborative research projects.