Connecting Society: How everyday data can shape our lives
ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK)
Ever wondered what happens to all the data collected about you by government and public services? Whenever you sit a school exam, visit your GP, go to court, or...
Wales’s health and care system is grappling with complex, interconnected issues and opportunities, including an ageing population, inequalities, and the rise of new healthcare technologies. Tackling these now and in the future will require evidence-based policies and strategies that connect health outcomes with broader social factors such as housing, education, and income. A recent Welsh Government report, "Science Evidence Advice: NHS in 10+ Years" (aka. the SEA Report), highlights these intersections and guides the nation’s vision under the A Healthier Wales strategy. In this fourth episode, we explore how administrative data is uniquely positioned to help. We’re joined by Tracey Breheny, Director for Strategy and Corporate Business, Health, Social Care & Early Years Group at the Welsh Government, who unpacks the insights these linked datasets provide, the current situation facing healthcare, and the potential of data-driven policymaking. Dot Williams, Project Officer at the Butterfly Conservation and member of the SAIL Databank Consumer Panel, offers a personal perspective on navigating Wales’s health services and shares her vision for positive change.From improving workforce conditions to addressing health inequalities, this episode reveals how data is shaping a healthier, more equitable Wales. Wondering what administrative data is? Visit https://www.adruk.org/our-mission/administrative-data/.If we used any terms you're not familiar with, check out ADR UK's glossary at https://www.adruk.org/learning-hub/glossary/.For information on the Welsh Government report and strategy go to https://www.gov.wales/report-projections-health-evidence-and-policy-recommendations and https://www.gov.wales/healthier-wales-long-term-plan-health-and-social-care. For information on ADR Wales work in the areas of health, wellbeing, and social care, visit https://www.adruk.org/our-work/browse-all-projects/adr-wales-themed-projects-health-and-well-being-1/, https://www.adruk.org/our-work/browse-all-projects/adr-wales-themed-projects-social-care/ and https://www.adruk.org/our-work/browse-all-projects/adr-wales-themed-projects-major-societal-challenges/.Connecting Society is brought to you by ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK). Find out more about ADR UK on our website, or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. This podcast builds on a pilot series known as DataPod, produced by ADR Scotland.
--------
31:35
3. Inside the working lives of nurses and midwives
Nursing and midwifery form the backbone of the UK’s healthcare system, but the sector faces significant challenges - impacting both professionals' wellbeing and the quality of care patients receive. Administrative data collected by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) holds the key to understanding these issues, and research using this data offers a path to evidence-based solutions. This episode unpacks the wealth of information the NMC collects, how it’s being made available for public good research, and the ambitions behind linking it with other datasets. From analysing workforce trends to revealing inequalities, this data has the power to drive policies and interventions that better support nurses, midwives, and the communities they care for. Our guests, Caroline Kenny, Head of Research and Evidence at the NMC, and Fiona Gibb, Director of Professional Midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives, share their journeys into the sector and provide insight into the experiences of nurses and midwives. They discuss what’s missing in the current evidence base and the meaningful improvements they hope this research can bring to the field. Wondering what administrative data is? Visit https://www.adruk.org/our-mission/administrative-data/.If we used any terms you're not familiar with, check out ADR UK's glossary at https://www.adruk.org/learning-hub/glossary/.For information about nursing and midwifery data recently made available by ADR Scotland, go to https://www.adruk.org/data-access/flagship-datasets/nursing-and-midwifery-council-register-linked-to-census-2021-england-and-wales/ and https://www.adruk.org/our-work/browse-all-projects/exploring-the-dynamics-of-the-nursing-and-midwifery-workforce-749/. Connecting Society is brought to you by ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK). Find out more about ADR UK on our website, or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. This podcast builds on a pilot series known as DataPod, produced by ADR Scotland.
--------
27:58
2. Justice in the age of data
In this episode, we examine how data collected by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is being used to drive positive change in the justice system. Our discussion explores the types of data the MoJ collects, why it is collected, and how de-identifying, linking, and sharing this information securely for research can reveal new insights into the justice system.Amy Summerfield, Head of Evidence and Partnerships at the MoJ, shares how data linkage programmes like the Data First initiative aim to address issues such as reoffending and improve the efficiency of justice services. We also hear from David Maguire, Project Director of the Building Futures programme at the Prison Reform Trust, who sheds light on the realities faced by people in the justice system. From the probation system to outcomes for defendants, prisoners, and the wider public, David highlights gaps in understanding and what changes are most urgently needed.Through real-world examples, this episode demonstrates how using administrative data can contribute to better outcomes for those in the justice system, support for justice personnel, and a more efficient and effective system overall. Wondering what administrative data is? Visit https://www.adruk.org/our-mission/administrative-data/.If we used any terms you're not familiar with, check out ADR UK's glossary at https://www.adruk.org/learning-hub/glossary/.For information on Data First go to https://www.adruk.org/our-work/browse-all-projects/data-first-harnessing-the-potential-of-linked-administrative-data-for-the-justice-system-169/, or for information on MoJ datasets made available by ADR UK: https://www.adruk.org/data-access/flagship-datasets/?tx_llcatalog_pi%5Bfilters%5D%5Bwork%5D=800&cHash=c420033b8cba2bed85ac90343d2aeab9.Connecting Society is brought to you by ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK). Find out more about ADR UK on our website, or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. This podcast builds on a pilot series known as DataPod, produced by ADR Scotland.
--------
27:48
1. To change the outcomes, change the system
Administrative data is about real people and their lives. So in the first episode of Connecting Society, we’re diving into the big picture behind the vision of ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK): why does using administrative data for public good research matter? How can it make a meaningful difference to society? And is your data being stored and used securely? Joining us to unpack these questions are Dr Emma Gordon, ADR UK’s Director, and Ally McAlpine, the Scottish Government’s Chief Statistician and Co-Director of ADR Scotland.This episode explores the state of the data landscape before ADR UK’s work began, the goals we’re moving towards, and the benefits this work brings to the public. Our guests will also share their personal career journeys, what motivates them, and why they believe this work is so important.Wondering what administrative data is? Visit https://www.adruk.org/our-mission/administrative-data/. If we used any terms you're not familiar with, check out ADR UK's glossary at https://www.adruk.org/learning-hub/glossary/.Read an article from Emma which provides more information on the background of ADR UK: https://www.globalgovernmentforum.com/to-change-the-outcome-of-a-process-you-have-to-be-prepared-to-change-the-system-five-minutes-with-public-service-data-live-speaker-administrative-data-research-uk-director-emma-go/. Connecting Society is brought to you by ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK). Find out more about ADR UK on our website, or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. This podcast builds on a pilot series known as DataPod, produced by ADR Scotland.
--------
34:55
Pilot series (DataPod): Does commuting affect your health?
A current research project within our Lifelong health and wellbeing thread is investigating whether Commuting has an impact upon a person's health. In this third episode in our podcast pilot, Professor Chris Dibben and Dr Laurie Berrie discuss with Renata Samulnik the value of using administrative data and linking datasets, in order to research whether:Commuting to work by bicycle can improve your health and how?What barriers stop people cycling to work in Glasgow and Edinburgh?Can these barriers be overcome and how?How our research can affect policy?What further research needs to be done in this area?You may wish to refer to the following documents after listening to the podcast;Blog: Commuting and its impact on healthData Insights: What makes people more likely to cycle to work?Connecting Society is brought to you by ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK). Find out more about ADR UK on our website, or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. This podcast builds on a pilot series known as DataPod, produced by ADR Scotland.
About Connecting Society: How everyday data can shape our lives
Ever wondered what happens to all the data collected about you by government and public services? Whenever you sit a school exam, visit your GP, go to court, or pay tax, a wealth of information is created to help these services run. But how is this data used, and could it actually improve your life? Connecting Society explores the fascinating world of administrative data, showing how this valuable information is de-identified and used securely for research to inform better policies and support communities. Through conversations with experts from government, academia, community organisations, and the public, we reveal how linking data and making it available for research can uncover solutions to real-world, interconnected challenges - from improving health outcomes to tackling inequality and more. Join our hosts, Mark Green, Professor of Health Geography at the University of Liverpool and ADR UK Ambassador, and Shayda Kashef, Senior Public Engagement Manager at ADR UK, to discover how the data shaping your life could also help shape the future. Connecting Society is brought to you by ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK). Find out more about ADR UK at https://www.adruk.org/, or follow us for updates: https://x.com/adr_uk | https://www.linkedin.com/company/adr-uk/. This podcast builds on a pilot series known as DataPod, produced by ADR Scotland.
Listen to Connecting Society: How everyday data can shape our lives, Curious Cases and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
UK