Thread by @GavinFreeguard

🚨 NATIONAL DATA STRATEGY KLAXON 🚨

DCMS has published the 'framework' Strategy gov.uk/government/pub…

A consultation is open until 2 December - submit responses here gov.uk/government/con…

Strategy has 4 pillars:
- foundations (standards, ensuring data is findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable)
- skills
- availability (better coordination and sharing)
- responsibility (lawful, secure, fair, ethical, sustainable and accountable use)

=> 5 priority missions

I'll do the traditional thinktank thing of noting IfG recommendations that have ended up in the Nat'l Data Strategy.

These include appointing a chief data officer (though long-promised, no timeframe) & an audit of data inventories - good to know what data depts actually have 👍

This is in the release alongside the Strategy, but some more detail on the Chief Data Officer - they, rather than the Chief Digital Officer govt is also appointing (

https://twitter.com/GavinFreeguard/status/1298529985158938625

), will lead GDS and the Digital, Data and Technology function

gov.uk/government/new…

(Not entirely sure how I feel about that - great that the Chief Data Officer will have clout and data will be at the heart of govt digital efforts; risk that focus becomes on use of data in services, vs policy etc?)

We may need some clarity on how that new digital/data leadership all fits together:

https://twitter.com/jukesie/status/1303614144495652865

Govt has also published a report on 'The future of citizen data systems' alongside the National Data Strategy

gov.uk/government/pub…

(Says some Good Things on transparency and citizen involvement)

*A lot* to digest, but some initial thoughts:

- +ve emphasis on practicalities, fixing the plumbing etc than flashy tech buzzwords

- More on ethics/rights/transparency than might have been expected given recent govt behaviour but devil will be in the detail of delivery

Some missing bits include local govt (

https://twitter.com/peterkwells/status/1303610255964860416

) - and see @andrew4mk

https://twitter.com/andrew4mk/status/1303619702086918144

(And well done to the team at DCMS - clearly a lot of work, helpful structure, and some clear actions - and things to measure and track - with owners and leads)