Event round-up: techUK Local Public Services Local Government Data Standards Workshop

Thank you for joining us for the techUK Local Public Services Local Government Data Standards Workshop on 17 June 2025. This was the second meeting of the SAVVI working group for 2025.

From funding commitments and data architecture to supplier collaboration and predictive modelling, the discussion highlighted the critical role of shared data infrastructure in building resilient, efficient public services.

Funding and Support

There was strong reassurance of continued funding and support from central government. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) reaffirmed its commitment to backing initiatives like iStandUK and the SAVVI programme, signalling sustained investment over the course of the current spending review period. These programmes are helping to embed data standards in practice and accelerate their adoption across councils.

A key element of this commitment is MHCLG’s collaboration with HACT to drive forward the UK Housing Data Standards, integrating them into a wider programme of work. This alignment helps ensure consistency, scalability, and value for money, especially as local authorities upgrade or replace digital systems.

Benefits of Data Standards

A clear takeaway from the session was the range of practical benefits that well-implemented data standards can offer. These include easier system upgrades, smoother data migration, and shorter implementation times, all of which reduce the complexity and cost of digital transformation.

Perhaps most critically, the group emphasised the importance of a consistent approach to vulnerability across local government. When councils and public bodies use common definitions and structures, it becomes significantly easier to identify needs and coordinate support.

Collaboration with Suppliers

The call for greater collaboration with suppliers came through loud and clear. Participants stressed the need for co-designed solutions that scale across the sector. By working hand-in-hand with technology providers, councils can reduce the burden of implementation while accessing tools that are better aligned with their operational realities.

API integration was also flagged as a key area for supplier collaboration. Designing solutions that support seamless data exchange is essential to unlock value from shared standards. In this context, the ambition is not just to procure better tools, but to rethink how solutions are offered to councils, with suppliers playing a more active role in delivery and long-term support.

GDS Data Standards

The Government Digital Service (GDS) shared its vision for a modern digital government, underpinned by robust data standards. Their blueprint focuses on secure, efficient services, improved business support, and tangible cost savings, all enabled by strong data foundations.

However, several system-wide barriers were acknowledged: the need for strategic leadership, better incentives, sustainable investment, building trust, and coordinated central governance. Tackling these head-on is crucial to ensure that data standards aren’t just aspirational but actionable.

Essential Shared Data Assets

The discussion also turned to the role of Essential Shared Data Assets (ESDA). These are high-value datasets with proven reuse potential that need to be brought under minimum data management standards. Doing so enhances data accessibility and promotes responsible reuse across government.

Participants highlighted how ESDA initiatives can support interoperability while ensuring that data is both consistent and trustworthy two key enablers of cross-organisational collaboration.

Vulnerabilities Working Group

One standout initiative discussed was the Vulnerabilities Working Group, which convenes public sector bodies to develop solutions for identifying and supporting vulnerable people. Working closely with domain experts, the group is refining a set of core attributes that define an individual’s vulnerability profile foundational work that supports consistency in service delivery.

The collaborative nature of this group was praised as a model for how government bodies can align around shared data goals to address real-world challenges.

SAVVI Concept and Logical Models

Another highlight was the exploration of the SAVVI concept and logical models. These frameworks are designed to collapse complex datasets into clear risk factors, single, meaningful facts about a person or household. These can then be used to assess needs and inform interventions.

A major focus was on externalising vocabularies moving away from hardcoded definitions toward flexible, scalable standards. This approach ensures that systems remain adaptable and future-proofed, especially as the landscape of public service evolves.

SAVVI API Development

Attendees also got a look at SAVVI’s API development progress, which is enabling secure access to risk factor data and supporting cross-organisational data sharing. These APIs are being tested with real-world use cases, with ongoing supplier engagement to ensure the tools meet the needs of users on the ground.

Databricks and AWS Collaboration

The collaboration between Databricks and AWS brought fresh momentum to the conversation. With a shared enthusiasm for the SAVVI project, it was outlined how they’re engaging councils, scoping use cases, identifying Trail Blazers, and working with delivery partners to implement scalable, high-impact solutions.

Potential Use Cases

The range of potential use cases for SAVVI was extensive: spanning adult social care, public health, housing, climate, cost of living, leisure, safeguarding, education, children’s services, and crime. Each use case presents an opportunity to embed standards and improve outcomes through better data integration.

Predictive SEND Solution

One particularly innovative proposal was a predictive solution for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). With councils facing mounting financial pressures, a model that integrates multi-agency data, identifies early indicators, and supports scenario planning could provide a critical lifeline for local authorities.

Funding and Support for Councils

Importantly, funding is available from AWS and Databricks for councils ready to engage with SAVVI. The focus is on co-designed projects that demonstrate both social and commercial value, aligned with SAVVI’s core principles.

Scalability and Legal Challenges

As with all transformative work, scalability and legal considerations were front and centre. Participants called for a clear framework to address the ethical and legal implications of data sharing and algorithmic processing, ensuring that councils have the tools and confidence to act within a safe, consistent environment.

Next Steps

Looking ahead, there is a shared ambition for stronger central government support to help drive adoption. This includes not only financial backing but also practical tools, policy alignment, and structured collaboration with suppliers and councils alike.

Finally, there was a strong call to action for suppliers. They were encouraged to step forward, book one-on-one sessions, and contribute to shaping the SAVVI framework. Through close collaboration, there’s a real opportunity to improve standards, deliver smarter services, and build solutions that truly meet the needs of local government.

Local Public Services Programme activities

Our Local Public Services Programme helps techUK members to navigate local government. We champion innovation that can create truly digital local public services helping to create thriving, productive and safer places for all. Visit the programme page here