This session will introduce ESRC requirements on data sharing and data management plans. It will introduce the ESRC’s Research Data Policy, elaborating on exactly what the ESRC expects from researchers. The session will also introduce the main components of an ESRC Data Management Plan, and use the DMPonline tool to get participants started on writing one. It will go through the main components of a plan – searching for existing data/justifying the case for new data collection, data storage, sharing, archiving, ethical consideration, ownership, and responsibilities -  and introduce tools and support that will help researchers satisfy ESRC expectations and produce data for long-term preservation and reuse. Although the course focuses on the ESRC requirements, these requirements reflect those of other funding councils so the course is open to those not intending to apply for ESRC funding.