ONS to Play 'Central Role' in New National Data Strategy

In the UK, the Office for National Statistics has announced that it is to take a central role in the new National Data Strategy, published by the government today. According to the government, its strategy aims to build a 'world-leading' data economy, while ensuring public trust in data use.

Plans will see the ONS train 500 data analysts across the public sector in data science techniques by 2021, with training delivered by the ONS's Data Science Campus, which recently completed an audit of data science skills across the UK public sector. The Data Science Campus is located at the ONS Newport site in South Wales, with hubs in London, Titchfield (Hampshire) and the FCDO's office in East Kilbride.

Dave Johnson (pictured), Deputy Director at the Data Science Campus, comments: 'There has never been a greater demand for analysts - capable of producing close to real-time analysis from an array of new and novel data sources - to equip decision makers with the right level of info to make critical decisions about the UK's future. We've taken the findings of our recent data science audit, the lessons we've learnt from the response to the pandemic, and priorities outlined in the National Data Strategy, and brought these together, to offer the best and most relevant training we can to provide the skills government needs to help with their mission to transform our use of data,'

As part of the National Data Strategy, a new Government Chief Data Officer will be recruited to lead a 'whole-government' approach to transforming government's use of data. There are also plans to introduce primary legislation to boost participation in 'smart data initiatives', which the government says can give people the power to use their own, personal data to find better tariffs in areas such as telecoms, energy and pensions. Downing Street will offer up to ten new 'Innovation Fellowships' each year to attract 'world-class' tech talent; and a new £2.6m project will be rolled out to address barriers to data sharing. Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden has launched a consultation to help shape the final strategy.

Web sites: www.ons.gov.uk and www.gov.uk .