Adopting Data Quality Action Plans in Practice

Data Technicality level: Level 2 🟣 Working Level – Apply: The event is suitable for those with some experience, focusing on practical use and real‑world application.

About the event

When is our data good enough? It's the question behind every threshold, tolerance and quality rule — and the new Data Asset Management Policy now gives government a shared way to answer it.

Agreed collectively via the Home and Economic Affairs Committee, the policy sets mandatory requirements for departments and ALBs to identify and centrally report critical data assets, assign clear ownership and accountability, and meet minimum standards for quality, discoverability and interoperability.
Data Quality Action Plans are the mechanism chosen to deliver that not a one-off audit, but ongoing management across the full data lifecycle.

In this session we’ll introduce the policy, explain why DQAPs matter, and work through the seven steps: identifying critical data, defining quality rules and thresholds, assessing current quality, prioritising improvements, root cause analysis, reporting, and repeat measurement over time.

Speakers

Suzanne Fry — Head of Data Management, Government Digital Service. Suzanne leads the team within the Office of the Government Chief Data Officer that sets the strategy and vision for data management across government, and delivers the core capabilities that create the conditions for better use of public sector data.

Hiba Jama — Data Governance Manager, Government Digital Service. Hiba works in the GDS Data Management Team provides guidance and support offer helping departments adopt the DAM Policy and the Data Management Community

Why join the event?

• Understand what's now mandatory - The policy carries ministerial accountability and reporting
• Leave with a method - You'll get the full seven-step DQAP approach
• Make the case for investment -The policy gives departments an opportunity to prioritise action and secure investment in data.
• Shape what comes next - We're gathering volunteers for a cross-government case study on getting started with data quality and DQAPs.

Audience

This session is for anyone responsible for creating, managing, governing or improving data within the public sector, including:

• Data owners, stewards and custodians
• Data governance, management and quality professionals
• Digital, data and technology leaders
• Business analysts and performance teams
• Policy, operational and service delivery colleagues who rely on data for decision-making
• Enterprise architects and interoperability specialists
• Teams preparing for AI adoption and looking to increase confidence in their data

Whether you're just getting started with data quality management or looking to strengthen existing practices, this session will provide practical guidance.