Datafront Skill Surge: Importance of Administrative Data in Policy Making

Course description

What do we mean when we talk about administrative data? Why is administrative data considered such a powerful tool?

Routinely collected administrative data captures interactions across the entire population, offering an unparalleled breadth and depth of information.

This on-demand series aims to equip researchers with the knowledge and skills to harness data for societal and sustainable change. This series covers important topics such as the use of administrative data in policymaking, circular economy models, climate resilience, and the impact of digital media on behaviour, with emphasis on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative strategies to address global challenges.

Participants will gain insights from experts, study case studies, and explore practical examples that illustrate how data-driven approaches and emerging technologies are transforming urban planning, agriculture, and health – that will empower researchers to shape the future of the data landscape!

• Session 2 covers the strategic use of administrative data in policymaking, exploring how data collected through public service interactions can be harnessed to drive evidence-based decisions and improve societal outcomes. We’ll look at the benefits, challenges, and future directions for using this data effectively.

 

Learning mode

On-demand, self-paced 

 

Who should attend

This course is intended for:

• Data Analysts and Researchers: Those working with administrative or big data who want to deepen their understanding of its characteristics and uses.
• Policymakers and Government Officials: Decision-makers who rely on data to shape public policies.
• Public Sector Managers: Managers in government institutions seeking to optimise data usage for service improvements.
• Health and Social Care Professionals: Individuals looking to use data for improving service delivery and outcomes.
• Urban Planners and Public Health Professionals: Individuals interested in using administrative data to inform planning and health policies.

 

Aims and objectives

The main aims and objectives of this course include:

• Highlighting the role of administrative data in policy formulation, evaluation, and refinement.
• Explaining how administrative data supports evidence-based policies that lead to better public service outcomes.
• Demonstrating the link between administrative data and policy outcomes, particularly in health, education, and social welfare.
• Identifying how linking datasets improves policy effectiveness by providing a more holistic view of societal issues.

 

Skills area and competencies

Based on the Datacise Open Learning framework, the relevant skills and competencies for this course include:

Skills Areas:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Understanding how data is used to inform and shape public policies.
• Impact Analysis Using Data: Skills to evaluate how policies affect public services using administrative data.
• Data Linkage and Interpretation: Using linked administrative datasets to generate more comprehensive insights into policy effectiveness.

 

Competencies:

• Evidence-Based Policy Design: Competence in using administrative data to design and evaluate public policies.
• Data-Policy Integration: Skills in integrating data analysis into the policy-making process, ensuring data is utilised for real-world decisions.
• Policy Impact Assessment: Ability to assess the broader social and economic impacts of policies through data analysis.

 

Pre-requisite

Participants should have:

• Basic understanding of public policy and how it is formulated and evaluated.
• Familiarity with data collection and basic data analysis is recommended.
• An interest in using data for decision-making in government, health, or social services.

 

Learning outcomes

Upon completing this course, participants will:

• Understand how administrative data informs policy decisions across sectors like health, education, and social welfare.
• Recognise the role of data in evidence-based policy making and evaluation.
• Identify ways to use linked administrative data to provide more detailed insights into policy outcomes.
• Appreciate the potential of administrative data in improving public service delivery and societal welfare.

 

Transferable skills

Participants will gain the following transferable skills:

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse administrative data to evaluate policy effectiveness.
• Decision-Making: Improved decision-making skills by integrating data into policy formation and evaluation.
• Critical Thinking: Enhanced capacity to critically assess policies using data.
• Communication Skills: Skills to effectively communicate data-driven insights to stakeholders and decision-makers.

 

Assessment

Multiple choice quiz to self-check understanding. 

 

This training content was originally developed and produced by Professor Adam Chee, Datacise Education Lead at Swansea University, with narration enhanced by advanced text-to-speech technology.