Datafront Skill Surge: Introduction to Administrative Data & Sustainability

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 1 is designed to deepen your understanding of what administrative data is, how it is collected, and why it is so essential in today’s policy and research landscape. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clearer sense of how administrative data forms the backbone of data-driven decision-making, how the privacy of individuals is protected, and how it holds the potential to shape the future of public services.

 

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

This course aims to:

• Define administrative data and its core characteristics.
• Introduce the types of administrative data commonly used across different sectors, such as health, education, and social care.
• Demonstrate the importance of administrative data in research, public services, and policy making.
• Explain the potential for linking administrative data to generate more comprehensive insights about societal patterns.

 

Skills area and competencies

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

Skills Areas:

• Data Literacy: Understand the structure and sources of administrative data and its application.
• Data Integration Techniques: Learn how to integrate administrative data with other datasets to create more robust research outcomes.
• Ethical Data Management: Gain insights into the ethical use of administrative data, particularly regarding privacy and security.

 

Competencies:

• Data Collection and Organisation: Competence in identifying, collecting, and organising administrative data from various sources.
• Data Linkage: Understanding how to link different datasets while preserving data integrity and ensuring privacy protection.
• Policy Impact Analysis: Skills in analysing the impact of policies using administrative data, contributing to evidence-based policy making.

 

Pre-requisite

Participants should have:

• Basic understanding of data collection and its applications in research or policy analysis.
• Familiarity with public sector data usage is recommended but not required.
• An interest in learning about administrative datasets and their relevance to policy, health, and public services.

 

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Define administrative data and distinguish it from other forms of data.
• Identify the different types of administrative data across sectors like health, education, and social care.
• Understand the potential of administrative data for improving public service delivery and informing policies.
• Appreciate the privacy and ethical considerations when working with administrative data.

 

Transferable skills

Participants will develop the following transferable skills:

• Data Management: Skills in handling, organising, and integrating administrative data for research and policy analysis.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to critically analyse and use data to make informed decisions.
• Ethical Considerations: Awareness of the ethical implications surrounding the use of sensitive administrative data.
• Research Skills: Enhanced ability to use administrative data to support research projects or public service improvements.

 

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.