We will ensure government’s work to modernise and improve the management, use and availability of data assets is informed by active and wide-ranging collaboration with current and potential data users. Objective To engage widely with current and potential data users in the development of the Government Data Programme and government’s broader open data agenda, in order to ensure that our work meets users’ needs and that limited resources are focused on areas of highest priority. Status quo Effective engagement with users of government data – whether in the public sector, private sector or civil society – is essential to shaping the future of open data. It is also key to the success of the Government Data Programme and our ability to drive innovation, public service reform and transparency through the better use of data. Since our first OGP National Action Plan we have learned a huge amount through our engagement with data users. The feedback we have received has enabled government to prioritise its efforts to open up more data. We have built a clear understanding of the highest-value datasets that are not yet freely and openly available, giving us a strong platform on which to continue to pursue greater open access where appropriate. And we have heard clearly from stakeholders that open data quality and reliability, not just quantity, is crucially important. This has helped us to develop a Government Data Programme to address the need for modernised data infrastructure and capability across government, driving better quality data for all users. We have opened up a huge range of government datasets, while strengthening citizens’ rights to request data in open and reusable format through amendments to the Freedom of Information Act and the introduction of the Re-use of Public Sector Information regulations. But we can be clearer and more proactive in raising awareness of the routes by which data access requests can be made available, and public bodies’ duties in responding to them. Ambition We need a wide range of engagement opportunities for users of government open data – and, crucially, those who currently do not use government data but stand to benefit from doing so. These will range from public events and speaking engagements, to online collaboration and subject-specific working groups. As government’s use of data develops and expands, this engagement will need to be active and ongoing, and must involve the full spectrum of holders and users of government data. We must also be open and transparent about the discussions we have held and the outcomes of those discussions. Lead implementing organisation Cabinet Office (Government Digital Service) Timeline May 2016 to June 2018
OGP values Access to information, Civic participation, Public accountability, Technology and innovation New or ongoing commitment New Other actors involved - government Cabinet Office (Government Digital Service) Other actors involved - CSOs, private sector, working groups, multilaterals etc mySociety, The Open Data Institute
Verifiable and measurable milestones to fulfil the commitmentNew or ongoingStart dateEnd date Develop a strong, ongoing and collaborative conversation with data users across sectors and specialisms, particularly through working groups and meet-ups on specific aspects of the government data agenda, to inform and challenge the Government Data ProgrammeOngoingMay 2016June 2018 Ensure government policy and the Government Data Programme is informed and challenged by leading external thinkers through an active Data Steering GroupOngoingNovember 2015June 2018 Develop our partnership with the Open Data Institute to help government connect with data businesses, innovators and civil societyOngoingNovember 2015June 2018 Build cross-government engagement and leadership on data management and open data, and publish plans for departmental engagement with data users and new open data commitments, through a cross-government Data Leaders NetworkOngoingNovember 2015June 2018 Maintain active and wide-ranging engagement with civil society groups to ensure the Government Data Programme supports better data access and use for smaller civil society organisationsNewMay 2016June 2018 Maintain regular updates on the government’s open data policies online through blog posts and social media - allowing users to interact with these policies as they develop and post suggestions for improvementsNewMay 2016June 2018 Explore further channels with which to engage users on open data issues, such as the Open Government Forum, Google Communities or Slack – these would have the advantage of real time discussion and problem solving, as well as a more direct link between government and data usersNewMay 2016June 2018 Engage with citizens, civil society, private and public sectors to develop an ethical framework for the use of data science techniques in government, including through public engagement events and an interactive online engagement toolOngoingNovember 2015July 2016