In this first instalment of our "How do we do that?" series, we're focusing on the critical importance of data provenance and governance. At Consumer Intelligence, we understand the fundamental difference between ordinary data and high-quality, ethically sourced data. It's the difference between an ordinary diamond and a conflict-free diamond, or between conventional bananas and Fair Trade bananas. Just as these ethical standards protect consumers and producers, our data governance safeguards both our clients and their customers.
High-quality data doesn't happen by accident; it requires meticulous attention to detail, transparent processes, and rigorous governance. Building from the ground up, we have designed our data systems to fully comply with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards as well as GDPR. This foundational commitment means that our data collection and usage practices are inherently sustainable, ethical, and reliable.
We start with transparency at every stage. Our proprietary platform, Viewsbank.com, positions us uniquely as both the data controller and processor, giving us complete oversight of data governance. We proactively offer users clear and frequent opportunities to opt out, ensuring they are comfortable and confident in our data handling practices. With nearly 100,000 consumers signed up to allow us to use their personal information, we aren't concerned if individuals opt out, as we can easily maintain our robust dataset through new participants.
Every data source is thoroughly scrutinised for adherence to strict compliance standards. We evaluate privacy notices, explicit consent processes, and robust compliance measures to ensure our datasets meet the highest standards of ethical and reliable use. This careful vetting ensures our data can be confidently relied upon to inform strategic decisions, providing clarity and assurance both today and into the future.
Just as the provenance of a diamond assures ethical sourcing, we provide detailed documentation and clear audit trails for all our datasets. This documentation includes information about sources, collection methods, consents obtained, and compliance verifications. Our practices align not only with GDPR but also adhere to rigorous data protection standards from the US, UK, and broader EU. Our FSQS registration and ISO 27001 compliance underscore our steadfast commitment to security and governance.
Compliance is an ongoing process, not a one-time effort. We continually audit our practices, regularly update privacy policies, and adjust our processes to evolving regulations. Regular training and proactive management ensure we remain ahead of regulatory shifts, guaranteeing that our clients can confidently depend on our data today and in the future.
We are frequently asked why we can't match the prices of our cheaper competitors. The truth is, maintaining impeccable data provenance and governance does incur higher costs. While we could cut corners, we recognise that this would undermine our clients' ability to make informed, future-proof decisions. At Consumer Intelligence, sustainability and trustworthiness are paramount. This commitment to quality governance and data integrity is non-negotiable.
Because when decisions matter, the provenance and governance of your data matter even more. That's how we do it.