Making it Stick: The post-pandemic data imperative

Richard Walker, Partner for Data and Insights, Agilisys, shares his five tips on sustaining and building on improvements in local government data-led decision-making.

In the recent Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation’s (CDEI) report examining local government’s expanded use of data during the pandemic, several local authorities discussed their use of data during the pandemic, barriers to data-driven innovation, and hopes for the future.

Findings were based largely on a roundtable event where there was real optimism that data was being shared far more easily than ever before. This is partly due to the emergency powers enabled at the height of the pandemic, which allowed easier sharing of data at a local level between health and government organisations.

Concerns for the future of data sharing

Rarely have data leaders at councils across the country found themselves and their teams so intrinsically embedded in strategic and operational decision making. This sharing of information throughout the pandemic led to data being used in more innovative ways than ever before.

However, this optimism was tempered with a cause for concern. As attention turns to the future, the report also described state of apprehension around the table among data leaders and practitioners in local government.  In the future – and without severe and uncontrollable events such as the pandemic to fast-track data sharing and innovation – will the focus on data strong strategy take a back seat? There is a genuine concern that those seeking to innovate with data will find themselves at the back of the funding and sponsorship queue yet again.

Such a scenario would critically impact a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build the foundations for future service delivery models that truly have data and insight at the core. So, what needs to be done to make data sharing stick? Here are five low-cost, high-impact steps that can be taken now to safeguard progress and set a course for even greater influence going forward:

  1. Focus on data and insights

It is important that organisations are focused on finding new ways of working within business-as-usual (BAU) corporate governance. We are working with one local authority that is planning to afford the data and insights team the same footing as the legal, HR and finance teams within the corporate approvals process for strategic decisions. Consulting the insights team will surely enhance decision making in the future and help to deliver better outcomes for citizens.

2. Develop ways of maintaining enhanced sharing

Information Governance (IG) teams have suffered over the years from a reputation as nay-sayers; the people who chase after you in the (now virtual) corridor asking if you have completed your Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA). Flip that reputation on its head and ask IG teams to develop ways of maintaining enhanced sharing. Multiple legislation provides lawful basis for sharing data across public sector agencies. Sponsor their engagement with counterparts at other organisations (many areas have excellent working relationships via multi-agency IG forums). By doing so, historic “no’s” will become “yes’s” or at least, “let me have a look into it”!

3. Openly share the value in data

In a post-pandemic world, investments in data and insights will once again be in competition with higher profile claims to scarce resources. Capture the true value being delivered and ensure this is communicated efficiently, such as sharing stories about value with data to back it up. In a post-pandemic world, pitches for investment will need to be more on point than ever, so there is no time like the present to get started.

4. Create an organisation-wide data and insights community of practice

Harnessing the latent potential of people represents one of the quickest routes to extracting value from data, but anyone in an organisation can be innovative using data. Do not restrict success by thinking that it has to come from IT or performance. Create a data and insights community of practice across the entire organisation. Spread the message far and wide and, if possible, get executive backing. A focus on expediency is key, so find quick wins and high-profile fixes that deliver tangible benefits that will resonate with key stakeholders. The community approach can be a real benefit and lies within the multi-disciplinary team that will intrinsically form as a result.

5. Prioritise data literacy

Backing employees’ data literacy does not mean spending a fortune on organisation-wide, in-person training. The more forward-thinking organisations we have worked with are ringfencing time for people to invest in personal development. There is a huge range of free-to-access training material available online covering everything from the use of data for business decision making to advanced machine learning using cloud platforms. The barrier to getting started has never been lower and links with my previous point of the community of practice. By making the most of time,  for example by putting on lunch and learn style sessions, you’ll find it easier to arrange time given the meteoric rise in virtual working over the last year.

Connecting the dots

The Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation’s (CDEI) report highlighted how the COVID-19 crisis has accelerated the innovative use of data locally. We’ve seen a wide range of positive data-driven interventions launched or repurposed during the pandemic. However, the progress made over the past 12 months mustn’t be lost once things go back to normal.

READ MORE: 

Whilst regulatory requirements must, of course, be strictly adhered to, data is nothing to fear. Connecting the data dots within the organisation and sharing the data between teams can kick-start hugely positive changes in the long term that benefit not only staff but citizens too. Now is the time to build trustworthy governance that earns team members and citizens’ confidence. Following the five easy steps above will help organisations stay focused. Data must not be thought of as a short-term trend, but as a permanent and vital part of every level of the organisation.

For more news from Top Business Tech, don’t forget to subscribe to our daily bulletin!

Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter

Richard Walker

Partner for Data and Insights at Agilisys

Birmingham Unveils the UK’s Best Emerging HealthTech Advances

Kosta Mavroulakis • 03rd April 2025

The National HealthTech Series hosted its latest event in Birmingham this month, showcasing innovative startups driving advanced health technology, including AI-assisted diagnostics, wearable devices and revolutionary educational tools for healthcare professionals. Health stakeholders drawn from the NHS, universities, industry and front-line patient care met with new and emerging businesses to define the future trajectory of...

Why DEIB is Imperative to Tech’s Future

Hadas Almog from AppsFlyer • 17th March 2025

We’ve been seeing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives being cut time and time again throughout the tech industry. DEIB dedicated roles have been eliminated, employee resource groups have lost funding, and initiatives once considered crucial have been deprioritised in favour of “more immediate business needs.” The justification for these cuts is often the...

The need to eradicate platform dependence

Sue Azari • 10th March 2025

The advertising industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Connected TV (CTV), Retail Media Networks (RMNs), and omnichannel strategies are rapidly redefining how brands engage with consumers. As digital privacy regulations evolve and platform dynamics shift, advertisers must recognise a fundamental truth. You cannot build a sustainable business on borrowed ground. The recent uncertainty surrounding TikTok...

The need to clean data for effective insight

David Sheldrake • 05th March 2025

There is more data today than ever before. In fact, the total amount of data created, captured, copied, and consumed globally has now reached an incredible 149 zettabytes. The growth of the big mountain is not expected to slow down, either, with it expected to reach almost 400 zettabytes within the next three years. Whilst...

What can be done to democratize VDI?

Dennis Damen • 05th March 2025

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) offers businesses enhanced security, scalability, and compliance, yet it remains a niche technology. One of the biggest barriers to widespread adoption is a severe talent gap. Many IT professionals lack hands-on VDI experience, as their careers begin with physical machines and increasingly shift toward cloud-based services. This shortage has created a...

Tech and Business Outlook: US Confident, European Sentiment Mixed

Viva Technology • 11th February 2025

The VivaTech Confidence Barometer, now in its second edition, reveals strong confidence among tech executives regarding the impact of emerging technologies on business competitiveness, particularly AI, which is expected to have the most significant impact in the near future. Surveying tech leaders from Europe and North America, 81% recognize their companies as competitive internationally, with...