Government Analysis Function > Support > Data linkage > Data Linkage Champion Network

Data Linkage Champion Network

By optimising data linkage methods in government we can enrich the insights that can be drawn about society and the nation, which:

  • maximises data utility
  • better informs policy decisions

In 2020, a cross-government data linkage review identified several important areas for improving government data linkage. These included working better together as a community to improve methods, their applications, and skills in the field. To fulfil this goal, the Data Linkage Champions Network was created by the Government Data Quality Hub (DQ Hub) in the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The Data Linkage Champions Network has partnered with representatives across government since 2020 to support colleagues involved in data linkage at all levels. Ownership of the network has passed from DQ Hub and the network is now run by co-chairs from three data linkage teams in ONS:

  • Data Linkage Methodology
  • Data Linkage Hub
  • the Reference Data Management Framework (RDMF) Products team

The Data Linkage Champions Network is primarily a methodological network. It concentrates on the techniques of data linkage, their choice and implementation rather than, for example, the negotiation of data access that permits linkage or the analysis of linked datasets. However, allied topics may be discussed when relevant, such as the ethics of data linkage.

Become a network member

The Data Linkage Champions Network consists of representatives from different departments across UK government. There may be more than one member, and more than one Champion, per department.

There are two membership types: Champions and Practitioners.

The Champion role is often held by team leads, but is open to any staff who commit to actively championing data linkage across government according to the roles and responsibilities.

The Practitioner role is for staff who are not able to commit to the responsibilities of the Champion role. This could be for any reason, including inexperience, the constraints of their current job role, or other commitments.

Champions and Practitioners of the network have equal opportunity to attend meetings and participate in the network, including voting on proposed changes to the network.

If you are a UK government staff member and would like to become a Data Linkage Champion or Practitioner, please email Data.Linkage.Champions@ons.gov.uk. Please read the privacy notice for champion networks before you sign up.

 

Roles and Responsibilities

Data Linkage Champions

The role of a Data Linkage Champion involves:

  • sharing knowledge of data linkage methods, research and good practice by regularly participating at network meetings and by communicating meeting outcomes across their department
  • helping others to understand current data linkage work across government, including how data linkage methods are implemented – this includes helping others in their department understand current work across government and helping cross-government colleagues understand work happening in their department.
  • championing and promoting the use of appropriate data linkage methods and software packages
  • identifying gaps in their own data linkage capability and capability in their department, identifying the training needed to fill these gaps, and committing to undertaking it
  • helping to build and promote data linkage guidance and training in their department
  • keeping up-to-date with new developments in data linkage methods to help identify opportunities for development personally, in the network, and in their department
  • building the Data Linkage Champion role into their personal objectives – for example, by including the role in their Personal Development Plan (PDP)
  • working with the network to implement the recommendations from the 2020 cross-government data linkage review, as outlined in the implementation plan, and the recommendations from the 2023 cross-government data sharing and linkage report

Data Linkage Practitioners

The role of a Data Linkage Practitioner involves:

  • sharing knowledge of data linkage methods, research and good practice through participating at network meetings
  • using appropriate data linkage methods and software packages
  • identifying gaps in their own data linkage capability, identify the training needed to fill these gaps, and commit to undertaking it
  • keeping up-to-date with new developments in data linkage methods to help identify opportunities for development personally and in the network
  • building the Data Linkage Practitioner role into their personal objectives – for example, by including the role in their Personal Development Plan (PDP)

Data Linkage Champions Network Co-chairs

The role of a Data Linkage Champions Network Co-Chair involves:

  • acting as a Data Linkage Champion
  • organising and facilitating network meetings
  • managing the network membership lists and mailing lists
  • championing and advertising the network across government
  • facilitating the sharing of knowledge and best practice across the network

Meetings

The Data Linkage Champions Network will meet monthly, as of 2024. All regular meetings will be held virtually. Additional in-person meetings may be arranged if there is interest.

The regular monthly meetings will follow a schedule. Each quarter there will be:

  • one meeting featuring a presentation
  • one journal club meeting
  • one meeting consisting of a themed discussion on a data linkage topic

 

If you would like a list of the members of the Data Linkage Champion Network, please email Data.Linkage.Champions@ons.gov.uk.

Contact

You can contact the Data Linkage Champions Network co-chairs by emailing Data.Linkage.Champions@ons.gov.uk.