Responsible Data Handbook
The Hand-book of the Modern Development Specialist
A handbook on the ethics and risks of collecting and using data about people in international development work. It follows the project lifecycle: designing a project, managing data, getting, understanding and sharing data, and closing a project. Chapters can be read alone or in sequence. A team of 12 practitioners wrote it in a 3-day book sprint. It is free under a CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
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How to cite
Kristin Antin, Rory Byrne, Tin Geber, Sacha van Geffen, Julia Hoffmann, Malavika Jayaram, Maliha Khan, Tania Lee, Zara Rahman, Crystal Simeoni, Friedhelm Weinberg, Christopher Wilson (2016). Responsible Data Handbook: The Hand-book of the Modern Development Specialist. The Engine Room. https://responsibledata.io/resources/handbook/chapters/chapter-00-introduction.html
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Getting Started with Data-Driven Decision Making: A Workbook
A short workbook that takes a nonprofit manager from a question to a simple process for using data in decisions. 9 worksheets guide the user to define an action question, decide what it means for the organisation, list what could be measured and what data exists, choose metrics, set a process for using them, and write an implementation action plan. Managers complete it alone or with a team.
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Data Maturity Assessment
A free online self-assessment that gives a snapshot of an organisation's data and AI maturity. It scores 3 areas: purpose, practice (data quality, security, ethics and infrastructure) and people (leadership, talent and culture), plus a separate AI score. Results come in a shareable format for talks with colleagues and funders, with recommended guides and resources for next steps. It is aimed at social impact organisations, government agencies, funders and universities.
CurrentTool or templateFree with sign-up
Related project ideas
Get expert help with digital, data and AI
Consulting and coaching projects built from 600+ real projects. Pick one, add your needs and hear from vetted consultants.
GDPR & data protection compliance
“You collect personal data from donors, beneficiaries, and partners with no formal compliance framework — and you know it is only a matter of time before that becomes a problem.”See project
Project management tool design & training
“Projects are managed through email chains and personal to-do lists — deadlines slip, accountability is unclear, and leadership has no idea what is actually happening.”See project
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About C157 Responsible Data Handbook
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