The National Data Strategy sets out how we will ensure the UK can harness data to fuel innovation and growth, and create jobs across the country to boost the economy. The Strategy recognises it is important for everyone leaving our schools and universities to be better prepared for data-driven lives and careers.  Working together The Higher Education sector has a vital role to play in achieving this aim. Our Strategy tasked the sector to explore ways to teach a range of basic and technical data skills– including project management, governance and problem solving. To improve the teaching ..read more

Data now underpins and reflects practically all economic sectors and social activities. It is no surprise therefore that policy-making, at local, national, and international levels, also critically relies on data. The UK’s National Data Strategy provides an example of how countries are seeking to leverage data for economic growth and societal well-being while ensuring appropriate protections for the flow of data across sectoral and geographic boundaries. Datasphere Initiative As data becomes ubiquitous, its governance becomes increasingly intricate, requiring a new and holistic approach to da ..read more

Data is a cross cutting policy area – the delivery of policies and initiatives associated with maximising the power of data will have implications for organisations and individuals across the UK.  With the launch of the UK National Data Strategy (NDS) in September 2020, we have been working hard to implement each of the missions set out within the strategy. As part of this, it has been (and continues to be) crucial that we work closely with each of the devolved governments to deliver the NDS, alongside their own strategies and plans, and through that achieve the best possible outcomes for ..read more

On 24 March, Sue Daley, co-chair, National Data Strategy (NDS) Forum, and Bethan Charnley, Head of the National Data Strategy Implementation (NDSI) team, DCMS co-hosted the first NDS Forum Network Group session.   The aim of the Forum Network Group is to provide a regular way to brief network organisations on key priorities of the NDS Forum and how they can get involved. The priority areas we discussed at this session included:  A pilot project to map the data ecosystem  National Data Strategy Mission 1 policy framework events Mapping the data ecosystem pilot:   The ..read more

I was delighted to take part in the inaugural meeting of the National Data Strategy (NDS) Forum early this summer as it represented clear progress on a vital agenda. As one of the world’s most powerful web-data collection platforms, Bright Data of course has a vested interest in the success of the NDS. We are strong supporters of the full economic and social potential of data being realised around the world, coupled with a regulatory regime that maintains high standards without stifling innovation. The NDS offers a clear vision for the UK to lead the way in this, but as outlined in the summary ..read more

I’m one of the biggest advocates for apprenticeships. They provide invaluable opportunities and skills to launch your career. They are definitely the way forward for young individuals.  Helping my career Having already completed a Level 4 apprenticeship in Junior Management Consultancy, I’ve been able to explore new and exciting opportunities whilst furthering my career within my second apprenticeship – Digital User Experience (UX) Degree Pathway.  I can honestly say it’s the best decision I made. IBM have helped train and mentor me ever since my first day. The knowledge, connectio ..read more

Finding my role at IBM was a happy accident. I was looking at IBM’s website and their graduate roles, as I knew I wanted to become a Technical Engineer but assumed it was only possible through getting a Computer Science degree first. To my amazement, I saw they offered apprenticeships that didn’t require a degree. To me, it sounded perfect – developing real client solutions was always what was most exciting to me and I didn’t have to wait 3+ years to be able to start doing it!  It is worthy of note that some people disagreed with my decision to take on an apprenticeship. There is a misco ..read more

Today the government has published a public consultation on further proposals to build trust in and enable the voluntary use of digital identity and attribute services in the UK. This follows on from the commitments made in the Digital Identity Call for Evidence response published in September 2020, and the draft UK digital identity and attributes trust framework published in February this year.  Whether someone wants to prove who they are when starting a job, moving house or transacting online, they should have the option to do so quickly and securely using digital solutions.  The ..read more

5G robots and driverless vehicles are providing a glimpse into the future of our manufacturing and construction industries, and the UK is leading the way to make them a reality. 5G is changing the way Britain builds. From the growing army of robots building products on factory floors to the drones and virtual reality tech transforming the construction site, the ultrafast speeds 5G offers has sparked a wave of innovation across Britain. We in government are proud to be backing this tech revolution. Our innovative 5G Testbeds and Trials programme is developing new uses for the technology to help ..read more

Minister for Media and Data, John Whittingdale shares his reflections on the National Data Strategy Forum discussion held on Tuesday 22 June I was delighted to co-chair the first National Data Strategy Forum last week, along with Sue Daley of techUK. I would like to express thanks to Sue and the techUK team for working with us to make this happen.  I have always said that Government cannot – and should not – deliver on the ambitions of the National Data Strategy alone. The consultation exercise was helpful for validating our framework but we know that we can’t stop there – we need to imp ..read more