Let’s talk about data quality

Last week, we published our framework for data quality in government. We developed the framework in collaboration with the Government Digital Service, using best practice drawn from across and outside government. We’re holding a series of events to support its roll-out.

The launch event

On 3 December, we held a virtual launch event to introduce the framework. We discussed the content of the framework, why it’s important, and what it sets out to achieve.

We also heard from a range of guest speakers. Alison Pritchard, Director General for Data Capability at the Office for National Statistics, explained that data is a high priority in government, and highlighted how the framework sets the foundations for this. Lisa Allen, Head of Data and Analytical Services at Ordnance Survey, discussed the benefits that come from establishing a data quality culture in an organisation. Finally, Nicola Askham, Director at the Data Management Association of the UK, explained that everyone has a role in achieving good quality data. The event was chaired by the Head of the Government Data Quality Hub, James Tucker, and included an opportunity to ask questions of the panel.

We’d like to thank everyone who joined us for making the event a massive success. If you didn’t manage to attend, the recording will be shared on YouTube shortly.

Carrying on the conversation

We know that the framework contains a lot of useful information, and that there’s too much to cover in just one hour. So we’re holding a second event on 13 January 2021 at 3pm to explore some of the themes in more depth. We will hear from colleagues across the public sector on how they have assessed, improved and communicated data quality. We will then open the floor for a round table discussion about data quality in government.

Everyone is welcome. Please register via Eventbrite to join us, and pass this invitation on to colleagues who might also be interested.

Help us support you

We have an ambitious plan to support the public sector to understand, assess, and improve data quality, but we need your help to achieve this. If you want to talk to us about the framework or want to know more about our work, email us at DQHub@ons.gov.uk or tweet us at @DQHubUKGov.