The aim of this event was to showcase and support UK regions that are working to join up, analyse and act upon data at a city or regional scale to reform public services.

Much has been promised about data’s potential to help local government and public sector bodies deliver more and better with less, predict and prevent problems, and even make a success of city devolution. But what’s the truth behind it, and what more can be done to support it?

At this event we heard from no fewer than nine areas, from London to Belfast and Sunderland to Worcester, that are using data analytics to tackle local challenges. Case studies covered how data is being applied to combat issues such as rogue landlords, alcohol harms, modern slavery, fire hazards, problem gambling and much more besides. The presentations were followed by a networking lunch, giving attendees the chance to meet with a wide variety of public sector innovators who are busy turning data insights into action.

In the afternoon, local government and public sector staff working on, or interested in starting, their own data initiatives were invited to stay on to take part in three workshops. These explored how to work effectively with data scientists, design and run meaningful evaluations; and navigate the legalities of data sharing.

Workshops were led by:
Yuelin Li, Data Strategist, ASI Data Science
Pantelis Solomon, Senior Research Advisor, Behavioural Insights Team
David Nolan, Associate Research Advisor, Behavioural Insights Team
Hilary Simpson, Solution Delivery, Government Innovation, Nesta

Speakers

Vicki Harrington

Director of Strategic Change and Performance, Essex Police

Andrew Collinge

Assistant Director, Greater London Authority

Richard Walker

Senior Manager, Public Sector Advisory, KPMG

Deirdre Ferguson

Senior Consultant, Smart Cities Team. Belfast City Council

Jason Kirby

Area Manager, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service

Pye Nyunt

Corporate Insight Hub Manager, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Phil Swan

Chief Information Officer, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Katherine Rooney

City Innovation Project Manager for Open Data, Bristol City Council

Sharon Lowes

Senior Intelligence Lead, Sunderland City Council