Think Data for Government (November) 2022

CHAIR’S WELCOMING REMARKS

Our chairwoman, Jessica Figueras, welcomes all delegates, sponsors, and speakers to our conference and sets out the day’s agenda.

• Jessica Figueras, Founder, Hither Ventures

BUILDING DATA CAPABILITY

Public bodies all over the UK are committed to the principle of using data to improve public service delivery. But an enduring skills shortage in both technical and non-technical roles is the number one barrier, particularly in light of the ‘Great Resignation’ which has seen record levels of staff turnover in the UK. What can public bodies be doing to address this?

• Fiona James, Director Data Growth and Operations and Chief Data Officer, Office for National Statistics
• Shona Nicol, Head of Technical Data Policy Team, The Scottish Government
• Michael Horan, Head of Role for Data Engineering, Data Management and Data Governance, DWP Digital

DATA IN ACTION – OKTA AND SOMERFORD ASSOCIATES

Our panellists explore the ways for modernising identity services to bring automation and security whilst accessing a range of data sets including: – automating lifecycle management – citizen access – API first strategies

• Clare White, Public Sector Account Manager, Okta
• Grace Dolby, Okta Technical Champion, Somerford Associates
• Bob Feeney, Central Government & Defence : Cloud Security : Identity & Access Management : Data Governance, Somerford Associates

OPEN, SHARED AND SUSTAINABLE DATA TO SUPPORT DECISION MAKING

The 2020 National Data Strategy aims to improve the use of data in government, focusing on how embracing and sharing data can create opportunities for innovation and more effectiveness in government. Tackling the challenges acknowledged on the 22-25 government roadmap for digital and data could be a way of approaching this and finding solutions for all.

Made Tech has been working with different data platforms in local governments, and we believe in the opportunities that building a blueprint Semantic Ontology, and by extension a data model, could bring if shared openly and leveraged continuously.

In this session, we would like to discuss the advantages and scope of an open and free data platform that could be shared across government. The discussion will focus on how you can align your projects to the National Data Strategy and drive innovation and collaboration between departments and local authorities.

Key takeaways

• What are the practical solutions to unlock data challenges

• How open data opportunities can improve innovation

• Data modes to support transformation

• Charles Baird, Head of Data Architecture, Central Digital and Data Office, Cabinet Office
• Firoze Salim, Head of Frameworks and Standards, Data Strategy and Standards, Central Digital and Data Office, Cabinet Office
• Jim Stamp, Head of Data, Made Tech

DATA FOR LEVELLING UP

As well as the UK government’s ambitious policy agenda to reduce the UK’s regional inequality, individual nations, regions and cities are all looking to drive local economic development. What data sources might be useful for those wanting to understand the problems and identify new solutions? And what models of local collaboration and data sharing look promising?

• Tom Smith, Director Spatial Data Unit and Chief Data Officer, Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities
• Juliet Whitworth, Head of Research and Information, Local Government Association
• Christopher Pope, Principal - Research, Digital Analytics, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE INNOVATION

The UK’s National Data Strategy calls for the responsible use of data in driving innovation, whether for scientific discovery or public service delivery. Legal uncertainty can act as a barrier to innovation, but there are also genuine issues of ethics and public trust to consider in this fast-evolving space. What are the key principles that public service innovators should consider? Could the government’s recently launched Algorithmic Transparency Standard help?

• Louise Maynard-Atem, Deputy Director, Data & Insights, Government Digital Service
• Dr Louise Sheridan, Deputy Director for Strategy, Centre for Data Ethics & Innovation
• Dr Shruti Kohli, Lead Data Scientist (Innovation Lab), DWP Digital

THE FUTURE OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE IS DATA

NHS England’s recently published health and social care data strategy is clear: “Data saves lives”. But there are many challenges to overcome, from public trust to technical infrastructure and skills. Just how long will we need to wait for the future to arrive? Are quick wins possible?

• Laura Aldridge, Head of Data, Care Quality Commission
• Albert King, Chief Data Officer, NHS National Services Scotland
• Louisa Nolan, Head of Public Health Data Science, Public Health Wales

WOMEN IN DATA INTERVIEW

Jessica Figueras, our conference chair talks with Johnanna Hutchinson, Director of Analytics and Data Science at the UK Health Security Agency, about her career journey and the ups and down of working in data roles within government.

• Johanna Hutchinson, Director of Analytics and Data Science, UK Health Security Agency

BIOMETRIC DATA

A recent review by Matthew Ryder QC warned of serious public concerns about the impact on rights and freedoms from the growing use of biometric data. Where and how is biometric data used in the public sector, what are the risks and benefits, and where might potential future regulation go?

• Fraser Sampson, Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, Home Office

DATA, DASHBOARDS AND DECISIONS

• Johanna Hutchinson, Director of Analytics and Data Science, UK Health Security Agency
• Gavin Freeguard, Freelance Data Consultant, Independent
• Andy Cotgreave, Senior Data Evangelist, Tableau

DATA RESPONSES TO THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS

This year inflation in the UK has reached its highest level in 40 years, leading to widespread and increasing hardship – particularly in relation to energy costs. How can government bodies use data to find solutions – whether by targeting help at the most vulnerable, or identifying opportunities for cost saving innovations?

• Paul Lodge, Chief Data Officer, Department for Work and Pensions
• Lisa Allen, Head of Consultancy for Data Programmes, Open Data Institute
• Karrie Liu, Founder, Hypatia Analytics Ltd
• Morag Campsie, Senior Manager, Audit Scotland

CHAIR’S SUMMARY

Our chair, Jessica Figueras, summarises the of the sessions that you have heard today and closes the conference.

• Jessica Figueras, Founder, Hither Ventures