Data Privacy Policy
Data Collection & Storage
Survey responses are collected via Jotform, which maintains SOC 2, GDPR compliance, and other security certifications. All data is encrypted in transit (TLS/HTTPS) and at rest on their servers. Only authorized members of the core research team have access to complete response data.
Complete Anonymity Option
Respondents can complete the survey entirely anonymously. Anonymous responses contain no personal identifiers beyond the survey content itself.
Optional Identifying Information
All personal information is optional and collected only when respondents choose to provide it for specific purposes:
- Name/agency: for potential acknowledgment as contributors
- Location: for regional trend analysis
- Contact details: for follow-up interviews or project updates
Data Separation & Protection
Any identifying information provided is immediately separated from survey responses upon data export. Names, titles, and agency details are removed from datasets prior to download or broader use, ensuring that any data shared beyond the core team is fully de-identified. Contact details are stored separately and used solely for consented purposes. This separation ensures that survey content cannot be linked back to individuals, even when some identifying information was initially provided.
Anonymization & Reporting
All analysis, reporting, and publications use fully anonymized data. Individual responses are never attributed to specific people, departments, or jurisdictions. Geographic data is aggregated to regional/state level only. No identifying information appears in any shared analysis under any circumstances.
Information Sharing
No individual responses will be shared with other survey participants, government agencies, or third parties. No personal identifying information will appear in any analysis, reporting, or data sharing under any circumstances.
Acknowledgment by Explicit Consent
Explicit consent is required for any acknowledgment of participation. The survey asks: “Can we mention your name/department as a contributor to this project in reports and materials (your specific survey responses will remain confidential).” Only participants who select “Yes” will be acknowledged. Even in this case, only the respondent’s name and/or agency will be listed; no individual survey responses or data will ever be attached or reported alongside the name. Those who select “No, please keep my participation anonymous” will have no identifying information disclosed in any materials.
Use of Personal and Identifying Information
Personal and identifying information—such as names, department titles, and jurisdiction or location data—is collected to: (1) ensure that respondents are practicing professionals in the field; and (2) support strategic analysis, for example, identifying regional trends, urban/rural typologies, or potential areas for targeted engagement.
Access to this information is strictly limited to the core research team and, if necessary, approved data contractors under the same confidentiality standards. Other staff, collaborators, or external parties will not have access to identifying information.
Data Retention
All identifying information (names, agencies, granular location data, contact details, IP addresses) is permanently deleted within 12 months of project completion. Fully anonymized survey responses are retained for ongoing research purposes.
Contact Information Security
Phone numbers and email addresses collected for follow-up conversations will be stored separately from survey responses and used solely for scheduling research interviews. This contact data will be deleted immediately after follow-up activities conclude or if participants decline further contact.
Transparency & Oversight
Our data handling practices comply with applicable privacy and research ethics standards. All procedures are designed to maximize confidentiality while allowing the research team to conduct meaningful strategic analysis. Please contact the research team with any questions about our data handling.