Policy on Data Protection
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Our policy on data privacy and protection reflects our fundamental commitment to evidence-based practice by implementing the highest standards of information protection to safeguard client interests while enabling rigorous evidence-based research across international operations. Our innovative nested classification system prioritizes client-interest sensitivity over predetermined categorical schemes, ensuring that protection measures are calibrated to the actual potential impact on specific client objectives rather than subject matter classifications, while simultaneously accommodating mandatory government and regulatory requirements through enhanced protections that supplement rather than replace our client-focused approach.
The comprehensive protection framework integrates technical safeguards including industry-standard encryption and access controls, procedural safeguards encompassing need-to-know principles and secure communications, and physical safeguards covering facility security and device protection, all proportionate to information sensitivity and regulatory requirements. Technology integration governance ensures that our advanced analytical capabilities, including AI-assisted research tools and automated processing systems, maintain data protection standards throughout the research lifecycle while supporting our evidence-based methodology, complemented by rigorous vendor management that extends our protection standards across the entire technology supply chain.
International operations are supported by appropriate cross-border data transfer mechanisms and multi-jurisdictional compliance frameworks that address regulatory requirements across UAE, UK, and other relevant jurisdictions, while our client relationship model balances transparency about protection measures and incident management with clear expectations for client cooperation in implementing enhanced security procedures where required, all underpinned by systematic data lifecycle management, comprehensive incident response capabilities, and continuous improvement processes that maintain the highest standards of professional service.
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I. Policy Foundation
This policy flows from our philosophy and principles on research quality and standards. Our commitment to evidence-based practice requires the highest standards of data protection to preserve the integrity and authenticity of information while protecting client interests.
Our data protection approach prioritizes client-interest sensitivity, recognizing that protection requirements derive from potential impact on client objectives rather than predetermined categorical classifications.
II. Data Classification
Our approach to information protection is calibrated to the potential impact of disclosure on specific client interests rather than predetermined subject matter categories, ensuring that protection measures are proportionate to actual business risk and client needs. Where client information is subject to government or regulatory requirements, additional protections supplement our base client-interest classifications to ensure comprehensive compliance across all applicable frameworks and jurisdictions. This graduated protection system ensures appropriate technical, procedural, and physical safeguards for information ranging from internal use materials to ultra-sensitive client data requiring the highest levels of security and confidentiality.
III. Protection Framework
Our comprehensive protection framework employs industry-standard encryption, access controls, and monitoring capabilities proportionate to information sensitivity and regulatory requirements, ensuring complete protection of data in transit, at rest, and during processing activities. This technical foundation is supported by need-to-know access principles, secure communication procedures, and comprehensive staff training on data protection requirements appropriate to personnel roles and access levels. Physical safeguards, including controlled facility access, secure storage solutions, and device protection measures, ensure comprehensive information security across all operational environments and client engagement activities.
IV. Technology Integration
Our comprehensive oversight of technology-assisted research capabilities ensures that advanced analytical tools support our evidence-based methodology while maintaining the highest data protection standards throughout the research and analysis lifecycle. This governance framework is complemented by rigorous due diligence and contractual requirements for technology partners, ensuring consistency with CKS data protection and confidentiality standards across all aspects of our technology-enhanced research operations.
IV. International Operations
We maintain appropriate legal mechanisms for international data transfers that ensure compliance with applicable data protection requirements across all jurisdictions where CKS operates or serves clients. Our multi-jurisdictional framework includes coordination procedures that address regulatory requirements across jurisdictions, including UAE, UK, and other applicable frameworks based on client location and specific business requirements, ensuring seamless global operations while maintaining the highest standards of data protection and regulatory compliance.
V. Client Rights & Responsibilities
We provide clients with clear information about information classification, protection measures, and processing activities affecting their data, supported by prompt notification and comprehensive response procedures for any data protection incidents that may affect client information. Clients maintain appropriate control over retention, processing limitations, and disposal of their confidential information, subject to legal and business requirements that ensure continued compliance and operational effectiveness.
In return, we ask clients to provide accurate and timely disclosure of any regulatory, classification, or sensitivity requirements affecting their information, along with cooperation in implementing appropriate protection measures and compliance with enhanced security procedures where required. Clear client authorization for required information sharing, processing, or cross-border transfers necessary for project delivery ensures that all data handling activities align with client expectations and regulatory requirements.
VI. Data Lifecycle Management
Our evidence-based approach to data retention ensures that retention periods are determined by research value, legal requirements, client needs, and business purposes, with regular review processes to ensure continued justification for data retention activities. When retention is no longer justified or required, comprehensive data destruction procedures ensure complete elimination of sensitive information from all systems and storage media, providing clients with confidence that their confidential information is appropriately managed throughout its entire lifecycle.
VII. Incident Management & Compliance
Our comprehensive incident response capabilities are designed to minimize impact on client interests and ensure appropriate regulatory compliance in the event of data protection incidents, with systematic integration of incident response experience into policy updates, procedure improvements, and preventive measures through continuous improvement processes. Regular assessment of data protection compliance, access controls, and security measure effectiveness is complemented by ongoing monitoring of policy adherence and operational performance. Independent assessment of our data protection measures and compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements through appropriate audit and certification processes provides additional assurance of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data protection and professional service.
VIII. Policy Governance
Policy Authority: Craighead Kellas SAAR
Effective Date: August 8th, 2025
Contact: enquiries@craigheadkellas.com
Detailed Documentation
Comprehensive Policies: Detailed data protection procedures, technical requirements, and operational protocols are available upon request for authorized parties with legitimate business requirements.
Implementation Procedures: Specific classification criteria, protection measures, and compliance documentation are maintained separately and provided to relevant stakeholders as appropriate.
Regulatory Compliance: Complete compliance documentation and regulatory mapping is available for review by clients and partners with legitimate business requirements.
This policy statement reflects our commitment to protecting client data and privacy, while enabling evidence-based research and maintaining the highest standards of professional service.
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DATE OF PUBLICATION: AUGUST 8th, 2025.
FEEDBACK ON THIS POLICY CAN BE EMAILED TO OFFICE@CRAIGHEADKELLAS.COM