Data has emerged as a powerful asset that can revolutionise decision-making and transform governance.
Councillors hold a significant responsibility to represent and serve their constituents. To fulfil this duty effectively, they must harness the power of data and develop data literacy skills.
Data literacy is the ability to read, work with, analyse and communicate with data. It empowers all levels of people to ask the right questions, build knowledge, make decisions, and communicate meaning to others. We can use Socrates’ six-step scholastic approach to boost data literacy in local government, encouraging insightful questions and critical thinking for better engagement with data and informed decision-making.
First, clarify the problem you are trying to resolve. Begin with the end in mind. Clearly articulating a problem helps decision-making, resource allocation, and effective communication.
Second, challenge assumptions – about data sources, quality, security, biases, conclusions, and interpretations. This approach fosters better data understanding and informed decision-making.
Third, councillors should meticulously examine data evidence, including sources, patterns and assumptions, to foster transparency, adaptability, and accountability.
Fourth, explore perspectives. Most problems faced by councillors are complex and require exploring diverse perspectives in data analysis. By considering different angles, stakeholders and scenarios, this approach enhances decision-making and inclusive governance.
Next, consider the broader implications of data decisions, to encourage long-term thinking, ethical considerations, and effective decision-making aligned with community needs.
Finally, question the questions – question both data, relevance and the framing of questions. This approach promotes critical thinking, clarity and improved decision-making.
Data literacy is not about being a data expert; it’s about having the skills to ask the right questions and interpret data with confidence.
It plays a vital role in ensuring efficient governance, so should not solely be integrated into councillor induction programmes – councillors ought to receive training from data professionals on using this progressively crucial resource effectively.
With the ongoing influence of big data on governance, data literacy remains pivotal for enabling effective leadership and enhancing services to residents.
- The LGA is providing free introductory training for councillors on data and managing council performance on 25 and 28 September. Further dates will be added – please check www.local.gov.uk/events