Overview
Social impact programs increasingly rely on data to identify needs, measure outcomes, and inform decisions. But without thoughtful design, data collection and use can inadvertently expose or harm the very communities they aim to support.
This free, self-paced, short course helps practitioners, program managers, and data users understand and apply responsible data principles within their organizations. Learners will explore the full data lifecycle, from risk assessment and consent to governance and security, and learn how to embed ethics, inclusivity, and compliance into every stage of data use.
Through a combination of conceptual modules and practical activities, the course demonstrates how responsible data management safeguards individuals, enhances program credibility, and fosters public trust. The course concludes with a case-based exercise and a short quiz to consolidate learning.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify the importance of using responsible data practices in social programs.
- Describe the potential benefits, risks, and harms associated with data.
- Identify and mitigate common data-related risks and practical mitigations across the data life cycle.
- Design social programs to incorporate responsible data practices.
- Manage and report on data ethically and responsibly.
- Use strategies to select and use ethical, inclusive, compliant, and sustainable data solutions to support social programs.
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