Agenda item

The Panel had received a Report which provided an overview of data sharing and analytics.  The Strategic Director outlined the main teams responsible for data management and governance and explained that digital strategies were being developed to make better use of data.  Worcestershire County Council used data well, however, more could be done if challenges were overcome.

During the ensuing discussion, key points included:

·         When asked what WODA was, it was explained that a number of Worcestershire organisations, around the one Worcestershire estate and including West Mercia Police, had come together as a ‘Worcestershire Office of Data Analytics’ to develop ways of working.  The group ceased to exist, but Officers continued to work together, especially as software now enabled real time reporting and therefore increased collaboration

·         The Head of Business Intelligence reported that the COVID-19 response had increasingly required partners to work together and share data and the introduction of Integrated Care Systems would result in health and social care data being shared across local NHS and care organisations.  Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs) were already in place and others included areas such as safeguarding and community safety

·         Data analytics main purpose was to create intelligence in order to influence decision making or improve performance, which could lead into predicting future service demand

·         Examples of Council systems that captured data were given, including Pentana KPI, a new corporate performance management system which would give Officers and Members a greater insight into performance.  InstantAtlas was a new project where data from across a number of organisations would result in a single point of access for Worcestershire residents, partners and commissioners

·         The Cabinet Member was in complete support of the Council developing a corporate approach to increase the use and potential of Power BI.  As a powerful interactive data visualisation software, it had been used to successfully create the COVID-19 dashboards as seen on the Council website.  A developer group had been established and licensing was being investigated

·         In response to a query about data sharing protocols, Officers were clear that any protocol would be explicit on what data could be shared

·         The Council website was currently under review, with the resident at the forefront of any change.  It was thought that in due course, individuals may be able to log in and view levels of data, sharing information which would be of interest to them

·         If a Council App were to be developed, the Cabinet Member assured Members that it would be web based with the same function and visibility across all platforms, including mobile phones and tablets for example 

·         When asked whether the Council hoped to achieve a standardised data reporting system, Officers suggested that this was unlikely as the system used for adult social care was unlikely to be improved

·         The Chairman thanked those present for a very informative overview and the Panel agreed it would wish to look at developments further with particular interest in Power BI, InstantAtlas and the framework on what is suitable to be shared with residents.