The making of the Government Data Maturity Model

How was it built and what is next?

Over the past two years, the Government Data Quality Hub (DQHub), based in the Office for National Statistics (ONS), have been working to design, build, and test a single Data Maturity Model (DMM) for government. This work supports Mission 3 of the National Data Strategy, helping to transform government’s use of data for better public services. By understanding their data maturity, organisations across the public sector can better identify their data challenges and opportunities, and effectively plan targeted improvements.

The project drew on a cross-government working group and data subject matter experts from across the public sector to create a maturity model that would be truly fit for use across all of government. We also collaborated closely with the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO), based in Cabinet Office, who will be leading the next stages of the project and be rolling out the model for the future.

In this article, we briefly overview how DQHub developed the Government Data Maturity Model from the initial background research, to building the model, and piloting it across government. We also briefly discuss the findings of the pilots and what is next for the Government Data Maturity Model.

The team behind the model will be hosting four sessions throughout DataConnect, the free public sector data conference. Hear more about the project behind the model and its future at DataConnect on Monday, 26 September 2022 at 11:00: The Government Data Maturity Model: Where has it come from and what’s next.

What are data maturity models?

Data maturity models are a structured way to measure how prepared your organisation is to make best use of the data you hold. They can help you to identify your strengths, and to pick out areas where building capability would help improve the value you get out of your data.

Knowing where to start with developing your data capability can be daunting but understanding where you are right now is an important first step. The Government Data Maturity Model is a tool to support you through assessing your current level of maturity, identifying your goals for improvement, and planning how you will reach them.

Towards data maturity for government

The landscape of data maturity assessments is vast and heavily populated. We began our work by investigating existing maturity models from across the public, private, and third sectors. Some models take a technical data management focus, others are more people-focused, examining organisational culture and engagement from business leadership. Some dive deep into specific areas of data, whilst others examine a broad, organisational view of managing and using data.

Our goal was a data maturity model that can effectively assess government organisation’s readiness to get value out of data. In line with the challenges and actions identified in the National Data Strategy, this needed to be a model to address the cultural, strategic, and technical aspects of good data management. It needed to be a single data maturity model to support improvements in all of data and be used across all of government. It was clear that the Government Data Maturity Model needs to be:

Broad
Thorough
Approachable
Relevant to the public sector
High level and outcome focussed
Communicable to strategic leaders

No existing model appeared to fully encompass all of these needs. However, given the range of existing, well researched maturity models, we decided to proceed by adapting an existing model.

We chose to adapt Data Orchard’s Data Maturity Framework to create the Government Data Maturity Model. The Data Orchard framework is recent, modern, and well tested. It takes a broad approach to data, encompassing technical data management, as well as culture and leadership. It is very approachable, designed to support communicating complex data ideas to non-technical audiences. The framework had also already seen some use in the public sector, including local and central government. This met many of our most important criteria, but not all of them. It made a good starting point for us to build a data maturity model to meet the needs of government.

Building the Government Data Maturity Model

The Data Orchard Data Maturity Framework was originally designed for use in the third sector. Cross-government engagement told us that whilst it is a strong maturity model, it was not completely fit for the unique needs and challenges of the public sector. The scale, scope, and complexity of data in government is vast, and needs a broad, thorough, and highly flexible approach to data maturity assessments.

Creating the new model required adding, removing, and adjusting the Data Orchard framework to meet government’s needs. We added content on aspects of data that were not already included. We removed content that is not relevant to data management in government or is below government’s minimum expectations. We adjusted the model’s language to focus on the high-level outcome to be achieved in good data practice in the public sector, without prescribing specific methods of achieving it.

Building on the Data Orchard framework with these changes led us to building a prototype of the Government Data Maturity Model that supports the outcomes we need to achieve. It gives us a model that helps organisations make a thorough, broad assessment of their data management practices. It is deliberately high-level to ensure it can be applied in the enormous range of contexts where data is used in the public sector. It is focussed on what the outcome on data practices looks like, not on the method of achieving the outcome to give the flexibility to operate in the way that works best for each organisation.

The final model assesses data maturity framed around ten core topics of data management, crosscut with themes such as culture, skills, tools, and leadership. Maturity is measured against a series of statements representing outcomes of data practice at different levels, building from a ‘beginning’ level, to a ‘mastering’ level. Hear more about the structure of the model at DataConnect on Friday 30 September 2022 at 12:00 noon: The Government Data Maturity Model: Meet the Model.

Piloting The Government Data Maturity Model

In line with many other existing data maturity models, the Government Data Maturity Model takes a self-assessment approach. However, flexibility is important for the model, to ensure that it can be used effectively despite the huge differences in how organisations operate, what data they hold, and how they use their data. Because of this, the method of self-assessment can take many forms. Several different methods of conducting assessments were trialled whilst piloting the prototype model.

In November 2021, we began piloting the model across 11 government organisations. The pilot phase ran for six months. As the single model for government needs to work for all government organisations, we worked with a range of very different organisations from large Whitehall departments to small arms-length bodies. Pilot participants were split into two cohorts, with some iteration on the model and guidance provided between each cohort.

Supported by a DQHub account manager, each piloting organisation conducted a data maturity assessment, following the guidance accompanying the prototype Government Data Maturity Model to show their strengths, understand their challenges, and identify opportunities to improve. Some used the model to assess their entire organisation, whilst others used the flexibility of the model to examine a more focused sub-section of their organisation.

During the pilot, our participating organisations trialled various different approaches in order to measure themselves against the data maturity model, and to produce maturity scores. Having flexibility in how to approach the assessment proved very important.

Hear more about the experience of using the model at DataConnect on Tuesday 27 September 2022 at 10:00am: The Government Data Maturity Model: Assessing Maturity.

Findings

The pilots proved very useful for making improvements to the model and assessing the potential value to be gained from a consistent, thorough approach to assessing data maturity in government. Over the course of the project, we found that whilst conducting a thorough data maturity assessment is challenging, the Government Data Maturity Model provides a means to effectively understand your data practices, find your strengths, and identify your areas for improvement.

We also found that although generating data maturity scores is useful, the process of conducting a self-assessment is greatly beneficial. Carrying out the assessment helps to build or reinforce connections throughout organisations, start important conversations about data, and establish data as a vital organisational priority.

What’s next?

Having developed and tested the model, DQHub have now completed our part in the Government Data Maturity Model project and the work has been handed over to the Central Digital and Data Office, based in Cabinet Office. Work is now underway to finalise governance around the model and align data maturity assessment work with wider strategic drivers in government data and digital programmes.

CDDO will be working to embed this work across government, with further rollout planned to happen later this year. Hear more about the future of the DMM and how it aligns with and supports strategic objectives at DataConnect on Wednesday 28 September 2022 at 2pm: The Government Data Maturity Model: Strategic Drivers.

£150 Disability Cost of Living Payments begin this month

Press release

From today (20 September) around six million disabled people in the UK will start to receive their one-off £150 Disability Cost of Living payment

Six million people who are paid certain disability benefits will begin to receive a one-off payment of £150 from today
Payments are part of the government’s wider £37 billion support package, including the Energy Price Guarantee and cost of living payments totalling £650

Those who had confirmed payment of their disability benefit for 25 May will receive the £150 automatically, with the vast majority to be paid by early October.

The payment will help disabled people with the rising cost of living, acknowledging the higher disability-related costs they often face, such as for care and mobility needs.

The cost of living payments from the government are part of a £37 billion package of support, which will see millions of households receive at least £1,200 this year to help cover rising costs, and follows the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new Energy Price Guarantee for the next two winters saving households on average £1,000 a year on their energy bills.

Work and Pensions Secretary Chloe Smith said:

We know disabled people face additional costs and this government is listening and taking decisive action to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

In addition to the £150 Disability Cost of Living payment, households will save an average of £1,000 a year through our new Energy Price Guarantee and the lowest-income households will receive at least £1,200 to help with the rising cost of living this year.

This multi-billion-pound package of support reinforces our commitment to help UK households, particularly those with disability challenges, through the tough times ahead.

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng said:

The government is providing vital support to shield the most vulnerable from rising prices caused by global economic challenges.

From today, a one-off £150 payment will automatically land in over six million disabled peoples’ accounts. This is in addition to the decisive action we took last week to hold down energy bills over the next two years, saving the average household £1,000 a year.

The government is standing behind people this winter, and in the longer term we are focusing on driving economic growth – the only way to permanently boost everyone’s living standards.

Additional information

The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will apply from 1 October and will discount the unit cost for gas and electricity use. This guarantee, which includes the temporary suspension of green levies, means that from 1 October a typical household will pay no more than £2,500 per year for each of the next two years. This is in addition to the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme.
On top of the EPG and £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment, there is an extra £150 for properties in Council Tax bands A-D in England. On top of this, disabled people on low incomes may also be eligible for the other Cost Living payments totalling up to £650 – households in receipt of a means-tested benefit received the first of the two automatic Cost of Living payments of £326 from 14 July. The second means-tested payment of £324 will be issued later this year.

Eligibility

Those who receive the following disability benefits may be eligible for the one-off payment of £150 in September: Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Scottish Disability Benefits (Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment), Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance and War Pension Mobility Supplement.
Those who had confirmed payment of their disability benefit for 25 May are expected to be paid shortly after the payment window opens. For those awaiting confirmation of their disability benefits on 25 May, or who are waiting to be assessed for eligibility to receive disability benefits, the process may take longer but payments will still be automatic.
You must have received a payment (or later receive a payment) of one of these qualifying benefits for 25 May 2022 to get the payment.

Cost of living support

You can read more about the government’s cost of living support on the Help with the cost of living page.
The Government has also expanded the Household Support Fund in England – which helps people with food and energy bills – with an extra £421 million – for October 22-March 23, and topped up funding by £79 million for devolved nations; the total value of this support now stands at £1.5 billion.
This is all in addition to changes to the Universal Credit taper rate and work allowances worth £1,000 a year on average for 1.7 million working claimants, a rise in the National Living Wage to £9.50 an hour, and a tax cut for around 30 million workers through a rise in National Insurance contribution thresholds.

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Published 20 September 2022
Last updated 20 September 2022 + show all updates

20 September 2022
First published.

Family Procedure Rule Committee: Annual open meeting 7 November 2022

News story

Are you interested in observing the rule making process?

The November 2022 meeting of the Family Procedure Rule Committee (‘The Committee’) will be the annual open event where invited attendees will be able to observe proceedings and put questions to the Committee, which are sent in advance of the meeting.

The meeting will take place on Monday, 7 November 2022 via MS Teams and is due to start at 10.30. Attendees will not be able to be involved in the normal business of the Committee discussed on the day, but there will be a section dedicated to hearing their input and questions.

If you wish to attend the meeting please reply on the invitation (MS Word Document, 78.5 KB) by Friday, 7 October 2022 at the very latest or directly to the FPRC Secretariat by email: FPRCSecretariat@justice.gov.uk

The Secretariat will contact you after the closing date to confirm further details.

Published 20 September 2022

Basic Payment Scheme 2022 entitlement rates

Press release

The Rural Payments Agency confirms rates for 2022 BPS payments

Hilly countryside — 2022 Basic Payment Scheme entitlement rates have been published.

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has today (20 September 2022) published the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) entitlement rates.

The Basic Payment Scheme is a rural payment that provides financial help to the farming industry. From this year, BPS payments are going to be made in two instalments each year for the remainder of the agricultural transition period to help farmers with their cashflow. Around 50% of the overall payment amounting to over £679m was issued in the summer, with the remaining balance expected to land in farmers’ bank accounts from December.

For 2022, BPS payment rates for England are set in Sterling. These are the same rates as for 2021 and were used to calculate the BPS 2022 advances issued earlier this year.

Rates

Region	Non-SDA	SDA-Other	Moorland SDA
Entitlement rate:	£233.30	£231.60	£64.00

More information on BPS is available on GOV.UK and a progressive reductions calculator is also available.

There is also a package of ongoing and one-off payments for farmers, such as the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) introduced under the Agricultural Transition Plan. These are open to farmers who claim BPS only, or those who claim BPS but have land in Countryside Stewardship or Environmental Stewardship. BPS farmers with common land should contact the RPA who will help with their application. The SFI is easy to apply for online, and gives farmers an ongoing payment that will reward sustainable practices which support food production and benefit the environment.

Further one-off grants are also available, including the Farming Investment Fund, Farming Innovation Programme and the Future Farming Resilience Fund.

Under BPS, farmers need to hold an entitlement for every hectare of eligible land they are claiming on. The size of farmers’ payments will depend on how many entitlements they use, supported by eligible land and the value of those entitlements.

Farmers are also reminded to beware of fraud as fraudsters may target farmers who receive subsidy payments.

farmers are encouraged to sign into the Rural Payments service to check their details are up to date, including email, mailing address and bank account details.
the RPA can be contacted on the following email address: ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk; and phone number: 03000 200 301 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm).

Published 20 September 2022

Devon fly-tipper who failed to clear waste in court for contempt

Press release

Fly-tipper Vitor Da Silva has been fined after he failed to clear illegally dumped waste from a field in Daccombe near Newton Abbot.

A large pile of dumped waste, including furniture and white goods — The waste included vehicles, furniture, white goods and gas bottles

Da Silva, 54, of Barton Road, Torquay, was given a conditional discharge for 12 months by Plymouth Magistrates last February. He had pleaded guilty to dumping waste without an environmental permit between January 2019 and August 2020. The conditional discharge would be breached if he failed to clear the site by the end of May 2022. And he was told to provide proof that the rubbish had been properly transferred to a legitimate site permitted to accept such waste.

Last Wednesday (14 September) Da Silva appeared before magistrates for contempt after he failed to clear the waste, which included vehicles, furniture, white goods and gas bottles, by the deadline. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £80 costs after showing evidence that he has now cleared the waste.

Phil Butterworth of the Environment Agency said:

Da Silva had been given ample time to dispose of the waste to a properly licensed site. Sadly, he chose to ignore his responsibilities.

Unfortunately, anyone who used Da Silva’s services would have also failed in their duty of care to ensure a waste carrier has an environmental permit. By having proof that a person is licensed to remove waste, you can be sure your rubbish is properly disposed of.

At February’s hearing, Da Silva was also ordered to pay costs of £500 plus a £22 victim surcharge.

Da Silva pleaded guilty earlier this year to knowingly causing or knowingly permitting the carrying on of a waste operation on land at the junction of Downaway Lane and St Marychurch Road, Daccombe, Newton Abbot in respect of which no environmental permit was in force between 13 January 2019 and 18 August 2020, Contrary to regulations 38(1)(b) and 12(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

As part of the sentence, a Reg 44 Order was imposed requiring the site to be cleared of rubbish by 31 May 2022.

Published 20 September 2022