1. 1. Data Collection

2. Ensure you have a valid legal basis for collecting personal data (e.g. consent, legitimate interest, public interest).
3. Obtain informed consent from data subjects, clearly explaining the purpose of data collection and their rights.
4. Minimize data collection to only what is necessary for the M&E project.
5. Avoid collecting sensitive data unless necessary, and ensure additional protections are in place.

6. 2. Data Processing

7. Use anonymization or pseudonymization techniques to protect personal data where possible.
8. Ensure that data processing activities are documented and that data subjects are informed about how their data will be used.
9. Implement security measures (e.g., encryption, password protection) to prevent unauthorized access to personal data.
10. Conduct regular reviews of data processing activities to ensure ongoing compliance.

11. 3. Data Security

12. Implement appropriate security measures to protect personal data (e.g., access controls, encryption).
13. Regularly update and audit security protocols to prevent data breaches.
14. Develop a breach response plan to quickly address any unauthorized access to personal data.
15. Designate a Data Protection Officer (DPO) if required by GDPR regulations.

16. 4. Data Subject Rights

17. Ensure data subjects can easily exercise their rights (e.g., access, rectification, erasure, portability).
18. Have processes in place to handle requests from data subjects (e.g., data access or deletion requests) within the legal timeframes.
19. Provide clear instructions to participants on how they can withdraw consent or file a complaint.

20. 5. Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)

21. Conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) for high-risk data processing activities (e.g., processing sensitive data or large-scale data collection).
22. Document the results of the DPIA and implement risk mitigation measures based on the findings.
23. Review DPIAS regularly or when there are significant changes to the M&E project.

24. 6. Third-Party Data Sharing

25. Ensure that any data shared with third parties is GDPR compliant.
26. Use data-sharing agreements to outline responsibilities and data protection measures with third parties.
27. Limit data sharing to only what is necessary for the evaluation.
28. If transferring data outside the EU, ensure compliance with GDPR cross-border data transfer regulations.

29. 7. Data Retention and Deletion

30. Establish a clear data retention policy that defines how long personal data will be stored. Regularly review stored data and delete personal data that is no longer necessary for the M&E project.
31. Securely dispose of any data that is no longer needed (e.g., shredding documents, permanently deleting digital files).

32. 8. Training and Awareness

33. Provide GDPR training for all staff involved in M&E activities.
34. Ensure that staff understand their responsibilities regarding GDPR compliance and data protection.

35. 9. Record-Keeping and Documentation

36. Document all GDPR compliance efforts, including data collection, processing activities, and DPIAS.
37. Maintain records of consent obtained from data subjects, including dates and details of the information provided to them.
38. Keep records of data breaches, even if they don't result in harm to data subjects.

39. 10. Breach Response Plan

40. Create a plan for responding to data breaches, including steps for mitigating harm and notifying affected individuals.
41. Ensure that the breach response plan includes protocols for reporting breaches to supervisory authorities within the required timeframe (72 hours).