Data linkage champion network

Data Linkage Champions Network Terms of Reference  

Purpose  

Optimising data linkage methods in government enriches the insights that can be drawn about society, maximising data utility and better informing policy decisions. A cross-government data linkage review identified key areas for improving government data linkage. This included working better together as a community to improve methods, their application and skills in this field.  

To fulfil this goal, the data linkage champions network was created by the Government Data Quality Hub (DQHub) team in the Office for National Statistics. The intention is to partner with representatives across government to support those involved in data linkage at all levels.   

Roles and Responsibilities  

The role of the Data Linkage Champion is to:   

• help others understand current linkage work in their departments and how data linkage methods are implemented 
• share knowledge of data linkage methods, research and examples of good practice through regularly engaging and presenting in network meetings, and communicating meeting outcomes across the department
• champion and promote the use of appropriate data linkage methods and software packages
• identify gaps in capability and the training needed 
• help to build and promote data linkage guidance and training
• keep up to date with new developments in data linkage methods to help identify opportunities for development
• build their data linkage champion role into their personal objectives
• work with the network to implement the recommendations from the cross-government data linkage review, as outlined in the implementation plan

The role of the network chairs is to:  

• organise and facilitate network meetings
• help facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practice across the network

Out of scope  

The champions and network chairs are not expected to:

• act as a technical advisor for linkage projects
• resolve data access issues — while this is an important issue for data linkage that can be addressed during network meetings, the network will concentrate more on methodology

Membership  

The group will consist of representatives from different departments across government. There can be more than one representative per department.  

To be a champion, you need to commit to the roles and responsibilities outlined above. This may require line manager or Head of Profession approval.  

If you would like to be a data linkage champion, please email Data.Linkage.Champions@ons.gov.uk. 

Frequency of meetings  

The group will meet quarterly.   

Meetings will be held virtually due to COVID-19. When restrictions allow, the group will decide whether to introduce face-to-face meetings.  

If you would like details about the data linkage champions, please email Data.Linkage.Champions@ons.gov.uk.