Post Event Overview: Harnessing Data to Improve Local Public Services

techUK, in collaboration with Socitm, the LGA and techUK member, GeoPlace delivered a webinar focusing on how to harness data to improve Local Public Services and the recently published, set of policy principles to support the effective use of address data into local authority software systems and beyond.

Speakers:

• Sam Smith, Director of Institute, Socitm

• Mark Williams, Senior Data Adviser, Local Government Association

• Hannah Brooks, Local Authority Liaison Manager, GeoPlace

• Luke Studden, Data Integration Manager, GeoPlace

You can read a few highlights from the webinar discussion or watch the full recording below.

Sam Smith, Soctim, discussed the significance of data standards in modernising local public services. She highlighted the need for:

1. Collaboration, sharing, and reuse of assets within the public sector, redesigning services to simplify, standardise, and automate processes, and innovating to empower citizens and communities 

2. Shared insights from past research and emphasised the importance of resilient communities and places 

3. Presented case studies from Litchfield District Council and Luton Borough Council, demonstrating how data can inform policy and improve service delivery 

In Socitm’s recent report on public sector digital trends, they emphasise the critical role of data standards in modernising local government services. The report highlights that adopting open standards facilitates seamless data sharing through APIs, streamlining processes, minimising errors and enhancing interoperability. For these benefits to be fully realised, widespread adoption of data standards by both councils and their technology suppliers is essential.

Mark Williams from the LGA discussed the benefits of data standards, including better decision-making, improved data quality, interoperability, collaboration, and transparency. Emphasising the importance of using unique identifiers like UPRNs (Unique Property Reference Number) to link data and generate insights. 

Hannah Brooks and Luke Studden, Geoplace, explained the significance of address data and UPRNs in local government. They introduced a document outlining five key policy principles to help local authorities effectively use address data and the UPRN. You can find the policy principles here.

The principles adopt The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) format of defining principles, making it very clear what the rationale and implications are of each one. The document also provides a template for councils to tailor the principles to their own local requirements to further assist in their adoption and inclusion into relevant policies and strategy documents. The principles provide a structured approach to integrating the UPRN into council systems, ensuring accurate, efficient, and consistent.

The call to action

To drive meaningful progress, local government and industry must prioritise data standards to ensure consistency and reliability across systems. Asking the right questions during system procurement is essential for informed decision-making and maximising efficiency. Improving data literacy within organisations will empower teams to use data effectively, fostering innovation and enhancing service delivery. Collaboration is key to unlocking the full potential of data-driven solutions, promoting shared knowledge and best practices. Additionally, utilising the Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) presents a valuable opportunity to improve service delivery, enabling more accurate and efficient operations. By embracing these priorities, we can create a more connected, data-driven future that benefits organisations and the communities they serve.

Full webinar recording can be found below.

Get in touch with our Local Public Services Team for any questions or discussion about topics which we could address in upcoming events, and check out our Local Public Services programme hub.