Sharing qualitative data is a complex undertaking requiring attention to epistemological and ethical concerns, as well as technical dimensions including access protocols, resourcing costs, and accessibility beyond the academy. This report focuses on institutional approaches to the governance of qualitative research data. It has been prepared as part of the CADRE (Coordinated Access for Data, Research and Environments) Project. 

The report maps national legislative settings and frameworks, outlines existing and emerging interests in how research data is accessed and used by diverse stakeholders, and notes associated changes in research cultures and environments. It is informed by established principles and frameworks in research data management, notably FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), and the CARE framework advanced by the movement for Indigenous data governance (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, Ethics), which emphasises data stewardship rather than data ownership and the importance of overseeing and taking care of data through the research lifecycle.

The report highlights four main findings:

1. Concepts of data ownership and data stewardship are fundamental to how data use and access is governed.
2. A range of national legislative settings, frameworks and codes govern research data archiving and sharing. Further signposting and guidance are required to assist researchers and data users to effectively navigate this complex policy and compliance ecosystem.
3. Across the sectors, there is a need to improve governance policies and procedures so that they are better orientated to facilitate qualitative research data sharing.
4. The GLAMR (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, Records) sector, with its extensive digitisation and sharing of qualitative materials, provides insights and lessons to guide future research practice in sensitive qualitative data governance.