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Data Ethics Professional

Delivery: Blended
Study Hours: 60h
Duration: 10 weeks
ODI members price:
£1,658 + VAT
Early bird price:
£1,755 + VAT
General admission price:
£1,950 + VAT
Early bird available if purchased 3 months prior to start date

Become an ODI certified Data Ethics Professional

Unlock the potential of responsible data creation, sharing and use, and become a sought-after data ethics professional with our comprehensive course designed for forward-thinking individuals passionate about evaluating data practices with the potential to adversely impact on people and society to build trust, be transparent, and accountable in the data-driven world.

This course is best suited to professionals who manage or use data to inform business strategy as well as day to day decision making. This includes, but is not limited to, performing data organisation activities with raw data, performing analysis either in spreadsheet software or BI Tools as well as interpret data outputs to share with stakeholders.

Successful participants will be:

  • Recognised as competent in the area of data ethics and the practical steps required to help organisations minimise potential harms that come from data collection, use and sharing.
  • Able to think critically about data ethics.
  • Ready to apply tools and techniques to analyse the current situation within organisations.
  • Equipped to suggest potential actions to minimise risk – be it through process adoption as guided by tools such as the data ethics canvas, or changes to the way the data itself is collected, used, or shared.

 

With only four start dates in 2024 and only 24 places per start date, we ask potential participants to complete a short application.

The application process is to verify that the course is right for you. Our tutors review each application before confirming acceptance on the programme.

Upcoming Dates

May 2024

22nd May 2024
Course schedule - TBC
From £1,658 + VAT
Sales end 25th May @ 17:30

September 2024

2nd September 2024
Course schedule - TBC
From £1,658 + VAT
Sales end 30th August @ 17:30

November 2024

4th November 2024
Course schedule - TBC
From £1,658 + VAT
Sales end 1st November @ 17:30

More about the course

Who is this course for?
This course is best suited to professionals who manage or use data to inform business strategy as well as day to day decision making. This includes, but is not limited to, performing data organisation activities with raw data, performing analysis either in spreadsheet software or BI Tools as well as interpret data outputs to share with stakeholders.
Why become a ODI Data Ethics Professional?

An ODI Data Ethics Professional is recognised by the ODI as competent in the area of data ethics, and the practical steps required to help organisations minimise potential harms that come from data collection, use, and sharing.

As a certified professional you will:
  • Be listed on the ODI website as a certified professional
  • Be part of a network of professionals, and invited to regular peer learning events.
  • Be able to use your certification to create, market and sell services that are aimed at improving data ethics practices in projects and organisations.
  • Get access to exclusive content and tools via the ODI Learning Experience Platform
Course prerequisites
There are no specific prerequisites for this course. Participants should be open minded and willing to learn through their own self-directed research. A good level of general literacy and numeracy will offer the best chances of success from the course.
Learning experience

This is a blended course. Dependent on the chosen pathway, your learning experience includes:

  • (Self-Directed) self-directed activities which follow the theming of each week and allow you to build your understanding of different concepts in the domain of data ethics
  • (Champions) Tutor-led webinars that focus the discussion on the different topics and contextualise these for the varied domains of the learners. There will also be asynchronous discussions related to the learning that provide opportunities to develop your understanding and debate key topics with peers 
  • (Professionals) An assessment to recognise your ability to actively demonstrate the key data ethics skills in a professional context
Assessment criteria

The assessment framework forms the fundamental basis for how we assess if people have passed the course. To become a Data Ethics Professional, a minimum of a pass mark must be achieved in all four areas.

The Data Ethics Professionals certificate recognises those who can actively demonstrate these skills in a professional environment. People who are not only aware of data ethics challenges, but also the practical steps needed to address them, using tools such as the ODI Data Ethics Canvas, combined with a deep understanding of how to identify and mitigate challenges related to data collection, use, and sharing.

Assessment components

There are two components to the assessment which form part of the programme.

1 – Written case study

The written case study is the main piece of assessment and requires participants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills as a data ethics professional. The case study must be a piece of original research, written by the participant. Case studies should be no longer than 2500 words (excluding references and appendices).

Case studies can be written in two ways:

  1. A research paper examining an existing or third party case study. In such studies we would expect to see extensive use of references to professional peer-reviewed works and an evaluation of the case study against the principles taught in the course in order to create a number of recommendations.
  2. An original piece of work applying the teachings of the course to the participants’ own area. This type of case study may require fewer references as the participant is directly investigating the practical data ethics questions on data/processes/technologies to which they have access.

Time requirement: 30 hours

2 – Case study discussion

In order to help develop case studies, participants are required to engage in discussions throughout the course related to the topics covered, as well as their chosen case study.

Weekly engagement: 30~ mins

It is expected that the assessed case study will require approximately 30 hours of engagement. 

Maintaining your certification
You must apply for recertification within two years to maintain your DEP certification.

Your application (3000 words max) will need to detail each professional activity you’ve applied your certification to, its impact, and your involvement. You will also be required to provide a professional reference (max 500 words) which confirms your participation in any projects you discuss in your application. 

To aid you with your recertification, we will provide a template within your DEP course and send reminders when certificates are due for renewal. Just keep in mind that the list of activities might evolve over time, and your course tutor will keep you informed of any updates. 

 

In order be recertified as a Data Ethics Professional, you are required to demonstrate your professional practice against the following criteria every 2 years:

Professional Activity

Sub-components

[1] Demonstrable knowledge of data ethics and its relevance within your domain

[1a] Deep understanding of data ethics as a domain and the application of data ethics in your professional context. 

[1b] Experience in applying the practical steps required to help organisations minimise potential harms that come from data collection, use and sharing.

[1c] Supporting the implementation of a data ethics exercise and/or process.

[2] Application or development of tools/frameworks and techniques to analyse the current situation within organisations.

[2a] Demonstrable knowledge of the tools available and their appropriate application in your context.

[2b] Practical experience in applying appropriate tools to explore and address data ethics concerns. 

[2c] Experience in leading a data ethics discussion and producing actions to minimise risk, be it through process adoption as guided by tools such as the data ethics canvas, or changes to the way the data itself is collected, used or shared.

[3] Deep understanding of the wider context of the ethical and legislative concerns in your area.

[3a] Practical expertise in data and the techniques to evaluate ethical and legal risks within your sector and role.

[3b] Demonstrable experience in engaging with relevant policy

[3c] Experience in implementing change across your organisation and/or sector that seeks to address concerns.

[4] Communication and engagement 

[4a] Experience in engaging with colleagues and peers within your organisation and/or sector.

[4b] Influencing change in the processes and activities of your organisation and/or sector.

[4c] Demonstrating active engagement with a community of Data Ethics Practitioners

 

Your application should refer to each professional activity, and its subcomponents with appropriate evidence to explain your involvement and the impact you had. 

Examples of professional practice can include, but are not limited to the following examples:

  • Publication of a peer reviewed book, article or other works focusing on data ethics
    • This may include formal publications, as listed above, or more informal articles such as blogs and case studies that focus on data ethics issues
  • Completed a distinct piece of data ethics consulting using the ODI Data Ethics canvas or other data ethics tools
    • For example, you may lead or participate on an internal project with responsibilities for data ethics challenges, deliver a workshop to colleagues and peers (e.g. Consequence Scanning) or deliver a talk advising on data ethics practices 
  • Teaching, lecturing or presenting data ethics in a formal education setting (higher/further) or as part of a broader professional Learning & Development strategy, including informal learning experiences (e.g. mentoring, special interest groups, etc)
  • Hold a leadership role embedding data ethics practices in an organisation with responsibilities to lead and manage internal changes to data ethics practices and processes
  • Continuous Professional Development: successful completion of an assessed professional data ethics programme or a programme with a broader data focus where the learning enabled a deeper exploration of a data ethics challenge

To accompany your application, you are required to provide a professional reference. There is a specific section toward the end of this document that they may complete and can then be submitted as part of your recertification. Your reference should be able to confirm your involvement in any projects you discuss and offer their support for your continued professional practice as a Data Ethics Professional.

Submitting your application

When you are ready to submit you should make payment of £75 and provide this document completed along with your professional reference. This should be done by the deadline provided in our communications to you. You will receive communication 12 months and 6 months before your application is due for submission. 

For further information, please contact us at training@theodi.org 

Course Cost

The course cost is:

ODI member's price:
£1,259 + VAT
£1,658 + VAT (From 18.09.23)

Early bird price (Early bird available if purchased 3 months prior to start date):
£1,755 + VAT

General admission price:
£1,950 + VAT

The course comes with 1-year individual membership of the ODI included. If you’re already an ODI member don’t worry – you’ll receive your next year of membership free.

Payment methods:

Payment is made via Eventbrite and can be made through PayPal or via Invoice.

FAQs
Who is this course for?

This course is best suited to professionals who manage or use data to inform business strategy as well as day to day decision making. This includes, but is not limited to, performing data organisation activities with raw data, performing analysis either in spreadsheet software or BI Tools as well as interpreting data outputs to share with stakeholders. Course content includes data rights, data processing limitations, and understanding wider ethical implications.

How many places/people are on each course? 

This instance of the course consists of two cohorts, made up of 12 participants per cohort.

Is there a limit to the number of people from my company that can attend?

Yes, there is a maximum of 3 places per organisation. If you are interested in booking more than 3 places for your organisation, please contact training@theodi.org.

What are the practical course requirements?

Just an internet-enabled laptop or PC, that can access Zoom calls for the teacher lead aspects of the course. That’s all.

Can you tell me more about ODI Courses?

Founded in 2012 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Sir Nigel Shadbolt, the ODI offers courses that are friendly, supportive and fun. No question is a silly question in our classrooms, and our expert teachers will arm you with all the practical skills you need for applying what you’ve learnt to the real world. The majority of the course content is made available to reuse under an open licence.

About this course

This course was created by and is © The Open Data Institute.

The important legal bit
  1. Individuals certified as ODI Data Ethics Professionals can use their certification to help promote their expertise in support of creating, marketing and selling services aimed at improving data ethics practices in projects and organisations.
  2. ODI certification of an individual as a Data Ethics Professional must not be used to suggest the ODI recognises or endorses an organisation, product or services ethical practices. The course equips you to adopt practices that embed ethical thinking around collection, use and sharing of data, not to meet a particular ethical standard.
  3. Certified individuals must agree to be listed on our network pages along with a picture that clearly identifies them. This enables those engaging an ODI Data Ethics Professional to check their identity and certification status. Certified individuals will receive one year of free individual membership to the ODI.
  4. The ODI reserves the right to revoke certification of any individual at any time if individuals or associated organisations are found to be in breach of these conditions.

What you'll learn

A deep understanding of data ethics as a domain

How to implement data ethics in your business environment

Practical expertise in data and techniques to evaluate ethical and legal risks

Ability to perform a professional piece of research, drawing on historical and peer-reviewed literature.

Ability to identify and use a number of tools to help evaluate ethical impacts, and suggest actions to minimise harmful impacts from data.

Course instructors

Learning Pathway: Empower Your Data-Driven Decision Making

ODI learning pathways_five

Specifically designed for professionals and practitioners who leverage data to inform business strategy and daily decision-making processes.

Encompasses activities such as data organisation, analysis using spreadsheet software or BI tools, and effective interpretation of data outputs for stakeholder communication.

For learners aspiring to develop skills from a strategic leadership perspective.
Strategic Data Skills will further enhance your capabilities and compliment your DEP knowledge.
Dat Ethics Professional learning journey

Data Ethics Professional (DEP)

Strategic Data Skills

Specifically designed for professionals and practitioners who leverage data to inform business strategy and daily decision-making processes.

Encompasses activities such as data organisation, analysis using spreadsheet software or BI tools, and effective interpretation of data outputs for stakeholder communication.

For learners aspiring to develop skills from a strategic leadership perspective.
Strategic Data Skills will further enhance your capabilities and compliment your DEP knowledge.

To ensure inclusivity, we offer discounted pricing for customers from lower or middle-income countries.
Please contact us for further information.

If you represent a business interested in purchasing four or more course spaces, please reach out to us for personalised discounted rates.

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