West Midlands Open Data Forum https://www.wmodf.org.uk Supporting the West Midlands to embrace Open Data Wed, 18 Jul 2018 10:22:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.7 https://i1.wp.com/www.wmodf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cropped-Profile.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 West Midlands Open Data Forum https://www.wmodf.org.uk 32 32 123281205 Steering Group agenda for meeting 18th July 2018 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2018/07/09/agenda-for-meeting-18th-july-2018/ https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2018/07/09/agenda-for-meeting-18th-july-2018/#respond Mon, 09 Jul 2018 20:59:26 +0000 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/?p=1060  

 AGENDA FOR WEDNESDAY 18th JULY 2018, 11.00-14.00 

WOLVERHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL, CIVIC CENTRE, ST. PETER’S SQ., WV1 1SH

11.00     1)     Apologies, introductions, notes and matters arising from meeting 23/05/2018 (notes on web site)

11.10      2)     Updates on key issues/standing items

  • Open Data events                               PR
  • ODI node and links to WMODF           HR
  • Web site                                              CP

11.30      3)      Wolverhampton Smart City    CJ and LC

  • Communications
  • Open Data platform
  • Projects

12.10  4)       Data Ethics (see Tom Forth document – Response by Thomas Forth (@thomasforth) to The Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation Open Consultation)                          PR 

12.25      5)      Projects/planning for 2018-19   PR

12.45     6)     Members’ brief updates (round robin of items and events not on agenda)

12.55     7)     AOB and dates of next meetings

13.00 – 14.00              Networking lunch

 

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Steering Group Agenda and Notes for 23 May 2018 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2018/05/13/steering-group-agenda-and-notes-for-23-may-2018/ https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2018/05/13/steering-group-agenda-and-notes-for-23-may-2018/#respond Sun, 13 May 2018 15:11:05 +0000 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/?p=947 NOTES OF WEST MIDLANDS OPEN DATA FORUM STEERING GROUP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, 23RD MAY, 2018 AT COVENTRY CITY COUNCIL

ATTENDED BY:         Pauline Roche – Chair              (RnR Organisation)

Glyn Simpson                          (TfWM)

Si Chun Lam                           (Coventry CC)

Teresa Jolley                          (DEFT153)

Ted Ryan                               (RnR Organisation)

Charlotte Johns                       (Wolverhampton CC)

Laura Collings                         (Wolverhampton CC)

Simon Whitehouse                   (Data Unlocked)

Darren Wright                         (Inside Outcomes)

Jason Davies                          (TfWM)

Sarah Harriott                         (Coventry CC)

Jessica Sweet                         (Coventry CC)

Paul Ward                              (Coventry CC)

Jon Day                                 (Coventry CC)

Liz Deacon                             (Coventry CC)

Joe Samson                            (Coventry CC)

Chris Price – Secretary             (digiconsultancy)

 

APOLOGIES:             Andy Reeve                            (Impact Hub)

Bethan Bishop                         (Aliciyo)

Hugo Russell                           (Innovation Birmingham)

Heike Schuster‑James              (BCU)

Helena Kucharczyk                  (Wolverhampton CC)

Raj Mack                                (BCC, Digital Birmingham)

Gavin Broughton                     (Housing Partners)

Gordon Telling                        (TfWM)

  1. The Notes of the last meeting of 21stMarch 2018 were agreed.

Matters arising:  re Birmingham burial data, there had been a positive meeting but as yet no published data.

  1. UPDATES

There had been 484 accesses to the website since the last meeting.  DW gave a brief introduction to the events facility on the website (www.wmodf.org.uk/events/).  Anyone can draft details of events, only website administrators can upload.  Teresa Jolley was added to the current administrators (SW, PR, CP, DW).

Action:    All were encouraged to add relevant events to the site.

PR reported on events.  The Data Dig Civic Society and Open Day event postponed from March was held on 27th April.  Good presentation, attendees and lunch.  Future events are listed on the website (www.wmodf.org.uk/events/).

PR mentioned that nominations were being made for the next Open Data Camp, the last event (of 5 so far) had been held in Belfast.  Unfortunately there had not yet been one in the West Midlands.  PW suggested there might be an opportunity of holding a future Data Camp in the Coventry Foregate offices. PR has also been in touch with Peter Bishop at Birmingham City Council about hosting it in Birmingham

Action:    PR to liaise with PW & PB re feasibility of Coventry or Birmingham opportunity to hold Open Data Camp in Midlands.

WMCA and Open Data:  CP reported the update from Raj Mack that progress of open data in WMCA awaited the appointment of the CDO (person selected but not yet in post).  RM had offered a meeting to discuss WMCA and data activities.  PR, TJ and CP volunteered to represent WMODF.  Progress was expected when the office for Data Analytics in WMCA was set up.

Action:    CP to organise meeting with Raj Mack.

ODI Birmingham:  PR outlined the position of the Birmingham node which was based in iCentrum, Birmingham but had no staff resource.  There had been a steering group meeting on 20th April.  There were linked activities such as the Innovation and Low Carbon Group (meeting 7/6), the BBC Data Hack and the Data Stories Project with Southampton University.

  1. DIGITAL COVENTRY STRATEGY

Paul Ward, Coventry ICT and Digital Manager, presented the City’s digital strategy.  A copy of his slides is linked to these notes on the website (www.wmodf.org.uk/category/agendaminutes/).  The strategy can be found on Coventry’s website (http://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/237/digital_coventry/2834/digital_coventry/1).  These notes focus on a few elements.

In response to a question, PW confirmed that following outsourcing to Siemens, ICT has been brought in-house working with supporting partners and suppliers.  One aspect of the strategy was the belief that adoption of digital will save money, increase income and protect frontline services.  To enable this for citizens, one aim was to encourage/enable gigabit connectivity to homes.  The Digital Strategy had 4 strands:

  • place: eg they have an interest in providing free wi-fi in the city centre and being part of the WMCA 5G pilot;
  • customers and inclusion: eg assist Mi app for disabled users;
  • communication: eg linking students to older citizens to assist with technology;
  • workforce: eg creating facilities to link/work wherever.

In principle, Coventry wants to make data available.  The concern about use of open source software was security.  There is an elected member champion for digital, Cllr Richard Brown. There was a question about whether Coventry was using data from community groups and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. There was a lack of clarity about that.

PW concluded by welcoming the work of WMODF and supported co‑operation across public services in the West Midlands.

  1. PROJECTS UPDATE

This item was postponed to allow more time for the presentations.

  1. MASTER DATA MANAGEMENT

Jon Day, Systems Integration and Data lead, presented an insight into how Coventry manages its data, “connecting across the silos”.  His presentation slides are linked to the meeting details on the website (www.wmodf.org.uk/category/agendaminutes/).  Their approach was intended to improve data accuracy, enable GDPR and improve quality, insight and outcomes.  The master data sets were properties, citizens and companies.  The Data Mart Process built on the 3 data sets brought together under the services of education, children’s social care and adults’ social care.  From these, data was extracted into a single social care level from which master data could be extracted while preserving confidentiality.  Open Data can be extracted and released from this Master Data set.  Jon can be contacted on Jon.Day@coventry.gov.uk.

  1. MEMBERS’ UPDATES

PR was working with Sport Birmingham on how to promote active lifestyle.  Their one‑page proposal for a hack would be circulated to WMODF members for further discussion.

Action: PR to send one-pager to CP for circulation

TJ circulated a flier of 6 upcoming events on local transport data – see event pages on the website.

JD: Transport for West Midlands aims to create a data catalogue.  Currently there is no good standard for transport metadata.

SCL was interested in data on homelessness and rental sites.

  1. There was no AOB and the next meeting is 18thJuly in Wolverhampton, starting at 11.00 am. Members will be sent an Eventbrite booking page as Wolverhampton is providing a buffet lunch 1-2pm so we need to know who is staying after the meeting to network over lunch.

Action: PR to create Eventbrite page and CP to circulate, members to complete

Presentations at the meeting:

Coventry Master Data Management May 2018 Digital

Coventry Strategy – WMODF presentation Paul Ward May 2018

~ A G E N D A ~

10.30     1)     Apologies, introductions, notes and matters arising from meeting 21/03/2018 (notes on web site)

10.40      2)     Updates on key issues/standing items

  • Web site and adding events                 DW/CP
  • Open Data events                                PR
  • Metro Mayor and Task Group              RM
  • ODI node and links to WMODF           HR

10.50      3)      Coventry’s Digital Strategy by Head of Digital and ICT         Paul Ward 

11.20      4)     Further information about planning                                         PR

11.30     4)     Presentation about Master Data Management                        Jon Day 

11.45     5)     Members’ brief updates (round robin of items and events not on agenda)

11.55     6)     AOB and dates of next meeting (18th July 2018 in Wolverhampton)

If you have a lot to report at the meeting, please submit a 1-page summary to the Secretary which can be circulated before the meeting

 

 

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2017 review and 2018 action plan https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2018/04/09/2017-review-and-2018-action-plan/ https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2018/04/09/2017-review-and-2018-action-plan/#respond Mon, 09 Apr 2018 15:55:45 +0000 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/?p=889 2017 – WHAT WAS GOOD?

General

  • Energy in meetings
  • Attendance at meetings
  • Find out about things that are going on from WMODF

Meeting structure

  • Information exchange
  • Good Networking
  • Informative presentations
  • Sharing events
  • Making contacts with people interested in open data
  • Finding out about things: events and projects

Widening engagement, widening geography

  • WMODF has grown in size
  • Si Chun Lam joining us from Coventry
  • Expanded the membership or welcomed back old friends
  • New people joining

Website

  • Better website, easier to read & find things
  • Finding out about events
  • Events / sharing

Widening understanding

  • Guest Speakers e.g. P. Bishop
  • Bringing in experts (P. Bishop BCC presenting strategy)
  • Engaging Metro Mayor candidates

2017 – WHAT COULD BE DONE BETTER, OR MORE OF, IN 2018?

Items in bold were agreed as immediate actions

General Issue Immediate actions proposed actions
More practical things in WMODF name, campaigning Themed meetings and invited speakers – wider sharing of thinking
‘WMODF’ – is this (‘Forum’) the best name? On-going discussion and suggestions
Responding to calendar invitations (helps with meeting planning) Please respond to Chris’s meeting invitations in your calendar
Increase our influence  
Get clearer on value / what we offer to who Links to ODI Birmingham –  discussion at ODI meetings as to what it is going to do and continue conversation with WMODF
It is just those who come & for networking – what else could we do and to/with who – benefits?  

 

Potential Structure Issue Immediate actions proposed actions
Day and time of meeting – experiment with different? Vary meeting times
More guest speakers Develop list of speakers linked to themes
More of (guest) presentations on projects; new knowledge

Topical meetings e.g. focus on health, ethics, energy data

Develop a plan This is the plan – all members can add to it and help it grow
Fill gap between meetings – without more meetings ODI Birmingham meetings to be developed between meetings and ODI to develop its role
Support outside of that provided by Innovation Birmingham Widening membership and locations of meetings – related to providing data staff with a purpose for coming to WMODF meetings

 

Links to other OD – ODI Issue Immediate actions proposed actions
Would it be useful to look at the wider digital world – where it benefits or uses Open data? Establishing links with ODI Birmingham

Promoting Open Data Camp coming to Midlands

Link between Mappa Mercia blog posts & WMODF easy ‘how to’ guides  

 

Funding Issue Immediate actions proposed actions
Could we consider how to link into drawing funds and working with projects Linked to establishing relationship with ODI Birmingham
Finding sponsorship  
Investigate support/funding/sponsorship? – do we need it though?  

 

 

Developing a role within the eco system Issue Immediate actions proposed actions
Do more: publicise events as we know of them (i.e. not just at meetings)

Promote WMODF and encourage wider membership

Developing themed meetings and targeting new audiences and participants 
Need to be seen more in the wider community  
Recruit – Blue Light services rep (JD changing jobs) Contact Blue light data staff
   
Establish WMODF as a group of ‘experts’ to go to Identifying how we promote expertise and related to Birmingham ODI
Promotion rather than marketing  
Progress outside meetings  
Promoting open data rather than marketing skills  
Identify ways to leverage/share core message & relate to related activities  
More: facilitated hacks on use of Open Data (ODI to do) – ? Developing Hacks – linking to current and potential hacks
Open Data Camp – 16, Summer Lane, B’ham or Coventry? Working with Co-ordinating group of OD Camp to bring to WM

 

Widening partners  Issue Immediate actions proposed actions
Reaching other parts of West Midlands, reach private sector? Holding meeting in other venues and locations and at various times 
Further extend membership across W. Midlands – SL will help promote  
Less Birmingham-centric – I don’t travel  
Consider meeting in other parts of WM other than B’ham (though B’ham easier for most)  
Si offers Coventry  
I think we could provide / help create more opportunities to work together Exploring projects / working groups based on themed work and links developed to Birmingham ODI

 

Compiled at WMODF meeting Jan 17th 2018 – meeting attended by Chris Price, Heike Schuster-James, Ted Ryan, Teresa Jolley, Daz Wright, Glyn Simpson, Stuart Lester, Jason Davies, Pauline Roche, Si Chun Lam, Simon Whitehouse

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WMCA perspective on open data – statement received March 1st 2018 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2018/03/03/latest-statement-by-wmca-re-open-data-in-the-region/ https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2018/03/03/latest-statement-by-wmca-re-open-data-in-the-region/#respond Sat, 03 Mar 2018 16:40:17 +0000 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/?p=745 This is a statement from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), requested by WMODF to follow up on our published request for their views on open data from each of the Mayoral candidates before the Metro Mayor election last year.

We published the candidates responses to our request at our Open Data Day event ‘Open wide: Open Data Day 2017 in the West Midlands’ last year.

This year, to coincide with this year’s Open Data Day event Data Dig: civil society and open data (postponed due to the snow), we requested an update from WMCA, which they have kindly provided below:

“The WMCA recognises the value and the opportunities that open data offers to SMEs and entrepreneurs (and many others) to create new solutions and applications that will help to address region-wide challenges. It is looking to build on the excellent work that has already been started in the region.  In particular, collaborating closely with the local authorities in the region, so that there is a consistent approach to open data, is crucial. This will ensure that such data is available in a consistent and coordinated fashion. It will build on existing assets such as the Birmingham Data factory, the Big Data Corridor and the Transport for West Midlands (“TfWM”) data platform that are already making almost 300 datasets available to developers and data enthusiasts. It has opened up transport data through free to use APIs – a prime example being with bus and tram real-time information data that has been opened up to the likes of Google, Apple and CityMapper to use. An example of the collaboration with local authorities is the work that has also been done with Birmingham City Council to release traffic management data for smaller scale hackathons, challenges, university research – with a continuing focus on how this can be expanded and further opened up going forward.

A key part of this overall approach is in ensuring the WMCA has the right structures in place to drive this agenda forward in a manner that is collaborative and does not duplicate with existing work already ongoing in the region. The first stage of this was to set up a WMCA Digital Board last year, whose role it is to develop and deliver the regional digital strategy, working closely with the region’s local authorities and wider digital network, of which the WMODF is part. The WMCA is also currently recruiting for a Chief Digital Officer for the region, who will, as part of his/her role, be responsible for the focus on data. There are numerous digital stakeholders across the region, and a key objective of the Digital Board is to bring these groups together effectively, so that the region is more joined up on matters that are best addressed regionally – of which data is a good example. The Digital Board has recently set up a data and smart cities task force, whose role it will be to accelerate the release of open data from city systems and drive consistency towards this agenda across the region. Engagement with corporate partners has also continued, to better understand how the approach to open data should be developed, an example of that being recent discussions that those partners have had with TfWM, to look at transport data. The Digital Board is also engaging with individual local authorities, to better understand their own approach to open data, and consider how, across the region, it can support a move towards a more consistent and broad approach to open data.”

We welcome this statement and we will be discussing it at our next steering group meeting on March 21st at Innovation Birmingham – details and agenda here.

If you have an interest in open data and you wish to be invited to our meetings, please use the contact form on the website

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Steering group agenda and notes for 21st March 2018 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2018/03/02/steering-group-agenda-for-21st-march-2018/ https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2018/03/02/steering-group-agenda-for-21st-march-2018/#respond Fri, 02 Mar 2018 20:36:23 +0000 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/?p=743 NOTES OF WEST MIDLANDS OPEN DATA FORUM STEERING GROUP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, 21ST MARCH, 2018 AT INNOVATION BIRMINGHAM

ATTENDED BY:         Pauline Roche – Chair              (RnR Organisation)

Ted Ryan                               (RnR Organisation)

Glyn Simpson                          (TfWM)

Geoff Simpson                        (Wolverhampton CC)

Ralph Smith                            (Birmingham CC, Public Health)

Laura Collings                         (Wolverhampton CC)

Hugo Russell                           (Innovation Birmingham)

Si Chun Lam                           (Coventry City Council)

Simon Whitehouse                   (Data Unlocked)

Chris Price – Secretary             (digiconsultancy)

Teresa Jolley                          (DEFT153, by phone conference – part of meeting)

Charlie McCay                         (Ramesys)

Harley Johnson                       (Ramesys)

APOLOGIES:             Andy Reeve                            (Impact Hub)

Bethan Bishop                         (Aliciyo)

Heike Schuster‑James              (BCU)

James Cattell                          (Defra)

Oliver Ford                             (Wolverhampton CC)

Raj Mack                                (BCC, Digital Birmingham)

Darren Wright                         (Inside Outcomes)

Gavin Broughton                     (Housing Partners)

Shaleen Meelu                        (Healthy Futures)

  1. The meeting started with a round of introductions:

Ralph Smith, guest speaker, Service Manager, Public Health Intelligence.Charlie McCay and Harley Johnson from Ramesys, which undertakes Health Care data modelling and had been introduced to the meeting by TJ. Laura Collings, Business Development Manager, Public Service Reform and was responsible for developing an Open Data Platform for Wolverhampton CC and for their Open Data Strategy.  Geoff Simpson, attending for Helena Kucharczyk, their Business Intelligence Manager and has the aim of establishing better evidence for the Council.

Notes of the previous meeting of 17/01/18 were agreed.

PR mentioned that an approach to Peter Bishop re hosting Open Data Camp in Birmingham was carried forward.

Action:    PR to contact Peter Bishop re facilities for Open Data Camp.

  1. KEY ISSUES

Thanks to Darren Wright, the WMODF website now has an ‘Events’ tab in the menu.  Members were encouraged to use this feature to share news.  As DW was unable to attend this meeting, it was decided to discuss this feature at the next meeting.  CP reported that there had been 557 hits on the website in the last 2 months.

The local event for global Open Data Day “Data Dig: Civil Society and Open Data expedition” had been postponed to 27th April; already 20 people had signed up.

On 27th March, Data Orchard in Hereford was hosting a ‘Building a data‑savvy social sector’ event which PR & TR would be attending.

A group of members met Nick Taylor from WMCA and notes of the meeting are available on request.  One of the outcomes was an updated statement on Open Data by WMCA and this is posted on the website.  Nick’s secondment was over and WMCA were recruiting a CIO; interviews were currently being held.  In the interim, Raj Mack had been identified as lead contact as he is a member of the Data and Digital Government task group of the WMCA Digital Board.  More information about the Board and its task groups would be useful and PR/CP would approach RM to seek access to papers, plans and meeting notes and to offer WMODF as a ‘critical friend’ on data issues.

Action:    PR/CP to contact Raj Mack re access to WMCA activities.

CP raised GDPR and the implications for WMODF.

Action:    Circulations will be blind copied; annually members would be invited to subscribe/unsubscribe and members could request contact details of other members; members’ open data views and actions would be openly published on the website e.g. as notes of meetings.

HR reported that the Birmingham ODI node was being relaunched and they were planning topic‑based workshops as well as building events around the ODI Friday lectures.  WMAHS Network was taking the lead for health, Barclays for financial innovation, TfWM for transport and the lead for Civil Society had not yet been identified.  The purchase of Innovation Birmingham by Bruntwood was expected to improve the links to other Science Park and Open Data projects. There may be a Hackathon, possibly with Barclays, but that would not be FinTech.

TR had pulled together the WMODF 2017 review/2018 plans workshop and the report had been circulated to members who were invited to comment and the item would be reviewed at the next meeting.  Changes were already underway: for example, greater visibility across the West Midlands; next meeting will be in Coventry; July meeting in Wolverhampton?

Actions:   CP to put on agenda.
All to comment on workshop proposals – to be put on website

  1. OPEN DATA IN HEALTH/CARE

Ralph Smith, from Birmingham City Council Public Health, presented some background information about public health data and related organisations – his slides are available on the website: https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2018/03/02/steering-group-agenda-for-21st-march-2018/.

In his role Ralph had been asked to look at data sharing and data science.  Partnerships were important if the links between, for example, obesity and environment were to be explored.  At present Birmingham Public Health published little open data, hindered by the constraints of the Council’s systems.

There were core health data sets covering births, deaths and hospital episodes.  This data is summarised spatially (eg Wards, SOAs) or by year to anonymise.  For care data there is the Adult Social Care Analytical Hub.  Birmingham Adult Social Care has some data, eg local care home ratings, but some data is only available on PDFs.  It’s not clear why this data could not be made open e.g. as a CSV file.  A further problem is that this information can be difficult to locate on the web.

Public Health England has a number of tools (e.g. fingertipsR) aimed at clinical commissioning groups or LAs and these allow the download of CSV files.  NHS Open Data is held on NHS Digital through their own website.  Examples of outputs are available on the slides.

BCC information strategy covers the development of open data and currently there is the Birmingham Data Factory.  WMCA is creating an office of data analytics.  The Big Data Corridor has requested data from Public Health. Data Unlocked (SW) is working with the Big Data Corridor.

There was a discussion about how organisations like Public Health could be encouraged to share data openly.  There was a need to rationalise the different geographical structures, e.g. wards are of interest to local authorities, CCGs in Health, the Police are organised differently.  There is a need for tools which allow aggregation into different geographical structures while retaining anonymity.  Could WMCA take a lead role in pushing for this?  It was suggested that this greater access to data could attract financial help.

Action:    RS agreed to contact the WMCA office for data analytics to seek their views/support for common approaches.

  1. UPDATES

RS, CMc, HJ requested to be added to the WMODF distribution list.

The West Midlands Regional Data Analysts group was meeting on 29th March.

GS shared that an update to the TfWM API will offer more functionality.

TA mentioned that a DfT local transport project to define common approaches for data would report around Easter, which may lead to a demonstrator project.

PR referred to issues about Public Health data raised in Parliament by Liam Byrne.

A positive meeting had taken place between PR, DW and Bev Nash, Registrar for Bereavement Services from BCC, over the release of indexes of burial records (first name, surname, month of burial, year of burial and cemetery). The next step would be to provide her with anything that details the business case around open data, particularly how greater access to the indexes could increase their revenue.

Action:    DW & PR pursuing

  1. AOB

Next meeting: 10.30 on 23rd May in Coventry (Room M1.5, First Floor, One Friargate, Coventry, CV1 2GN).

SCL agreed to invite local speakers such as Paul Ward, ICT & Digital lead, and John Day from the Data Warehouse.  An interesting theme could be data and the City of Culture activities.  PR suggested inviting Voluntary Action, Coventry.

Further meeting dates (Wednesdays): 18/7 (Wolverhampton), 26/9 and 28/11.

WMODF 21-03-2018 pub lic health ralph smith

 

16.45-18.15  INNOVATION BIRMINGHAM, FARADAY WHARF

~ A G E N D A ~

16.45     1)     Apologies, notes and matters arising from meeting 17/01/2018 (notes on web site)

16.55      2)     Updates on key issues/standing items

  • Web site and adding events             DW/CP
  • Open Data events           PR
  • Metro Mayor and Nick Taylor          PR
  • GDPR           DW/GB
  • ODI node and links to WMODF           HR
  • 2017 review and future meetings           PR 

17.20     3)     Open data and health/social care with guest Ralph Smith, Public Health

 18.00     4)     Members’ brief updates (round robin of items and events not on agenda)

18.10     5)     AOB and dates of next meeting (23rd May 2018)

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Steering Group meeting 17th January 2018 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2018/01/07/meeting-17th-january-2018-agenda-and-minutes/ https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2018/01/07/meeting-17th-january-2018-agenda-and-minutes/#respond Sun, 07 Jan 2018 17:35:07 +0000 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/?p=679 NOTES OF WEST MIDLANDS OPEN DATA FORUM STEERING GROUP MEETING

WEDNESDAY, 17TH JANUARY, 2018 AT INNOVATION BIRMINGHAM

ATTENDED BY:         Pauline Roche – Chair              (RnR Organisation)

Teresa Jolley                          (DEFT153)

Heike Schuster‑James              (BCU) – until 5pm

Darren Wright                         (Inside Outcomes)

Hugo Russell                           (Innovation Birmingham)

Ted Ryan                               (RnR Organisation)

Jason Davies                          (WM Fire Service)

Stuart Lester                           (TfWM)

Glyn Simpson                          (TfWM)

Si Chun Lam                           (Coventry City Council)

Simon Whitehouse                   (Data Unlocked)

Chris Price – Secretary             (digiconsultancy)

  1. Notes of the previous meeting of 15/11/17 were agreed.

DW reported that he had been contacted by Bev Nash of Birmingham City Council and that release of cemetery data was being considered but, as yet, there was no agreement.

Actions:   DW to follow up with BCC on behalf of WMODF.
PR agreed to consider publishing the correspondence with BCC on the WMODF site, dependant on further developments.

  1. UPDATES

Events:

March 2nd – Open Data Day 2018 local event on Civic Society and Open Data.

The BBC Shared Data unit, which is based in Birmingham, is offering 3‑month training programmes for journalists.

The Transport Systems Catapult is holding a data day in iCentrum to encourage release of transport data.

Bureau Local is holding 5 regional hacks; one is on 3rd February at Coventry University for the West Midlands.  Open Data Manchester have been commissioned to do a technical review across the 5 events.

Things Camps (Internet of Things) started over a year ago in Plymouth and there is the possibility of an event in the West Midlands in the Spring.

On 6th February Public Health England will host an event at the MAC, with the ONS lead in this area and the Public Health Chief Data Scientist; SCL was attending.

On 29th January, in the iCentrum Atrium, there was a closed event involving ODI and Sport Birmingham.

On 15th February in London ODI HQ there is an event on transport collaboration between UK and France.

On Jan 19th Andy Radford, BCC (@radforaw) is delivering the Friday lunchtime ODI lecture re traffic signal data.

GDPR:  DW reported that he had loaded an explanatory page on the website.  He was now running courses on GDPR.  PR mentioned a publication by Tim Turner, an ex-Information Commissioner’s Office policy manager, re GDPR and Fund Raising.  JD stated that training was underway in the Fire Service and Privacy Impact Assessments were being carried out.  Myth busting was an important element such that staff were aware that even personal data can still be anonymised to allow it to be open.

Metro Mayor:  PR updated the meeting about contacts with the Mayor’s office following Andy Street’s pre‑election statement (https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2017/03/03/west-midlands-mayoral-candidates-views-on-open-data/).  A response had been received from Nick Taylor, the Mayor’s Digital Advisor.  A date of 25th January has been proposed.  DW, SW, HR and TJ expressed an interest in attending the meeting with PR.  Group members were requested to email questions to PR/CP.  There was interest in what of the Mayor’s pre‑election statement had been achieved in the first 250 days of his term of office.

Action:    Submit questions for Metro Mayor – All.

ODI Node:  HR reported the work with DfT to identify local transport data sets.  They were impressed by the level of progress in WM.

HR has assistance for 3 months to look at how to leverage the Big Data Corridor development.  As part of this work, Open Data and in particular the complementary roles of WMODF and the Birmingham ODI node could be examined.  Opportunities may emerge, eg training needs, such as GDPR.

Action:    HR to keep WMODF informed.

TR described the programme ‘Fighting for Air’ on BBC which looked at air pollution in Kings Heath, Birmingham.  Data Unlocked (SW) had been analysing traffic counts using Tableau and had published maps of traffic density, including coverage of Kings Heath.

Action:    DW to link Data Unlocked study to WMODF website.

Health and Social Care Data:  DW mentioned the Tableau mapping of health quality outcomes.  SCL expressed interest linked to his Composite Liveability Measure.

Action:    DW and SCL to follow up outside the meeting.

TR referred to NAVCA event at which Community data (voluntary and community groups) was recognised as adding value to available open data. Blogpost on RnR Organisation website here

Website:  CP reported that since the last meeting there had been 267 accesses to the website.

It was recognised that WMODF members were aware of events which could be more clearly featured on the website.  DW offered to construct a form for notifying upcoming events for publication.

Actions:  DW to construct appropriate form.
CP to investigate most popular website pages.

  1. WMODF REVIEW, 2017‑2018

PR asked the meeting to use post‑its to review what worked and what didn’t work in 2017 and what should be further developed and what stopped in 2018.  There was an enthusiastic and positive response from the meeting.  The responses will be further reviewed after the meeting and published.

Action:    PR/TR to document and publish outcomes of the review.

Specific items identified:

  • Continue bi‑monthly meetings with guest speakers/specific themes.

Action:    CP/PR to create potential plan.

  • ODI node to assess holding events, eg theme hack/training event, every other month to complement WMODF meetings.

Action:    HR to propose ODI activities.

  • Further and wider membership should be encouraged. Location and timing of meetings to be reviewed.

Action:    SCL to organise the 23rd May meeting in Coventry, say 10.30‑12.00, and to try to engage local community.

  • Support open data events to improve publicity and bring attention to open data in WM.

Action:    PR/CP to approach Peter Bishop/Nick Taylor to provide space (120+)/sponsorship to enable a weekend Open Data Camp to be held in the WM later this year or next.

  • Increase visibility of group through a review of the website usage and content and name.

Action:    JD and SL to propose ideas to increase impact.

  1. BRIEF UPDATES

SL – Wolverhampton DataFest is on 13th‑15th February.  TfWM actively involved.  How could WMODF get involved?

  • Joint Data team procurement by WMCA complete with an OpenSoft data catalogue, to be supported by sponsorship over 8 years by the LAs.
  • Progress in other areas should enable development of the TfWM Open Data transparency strategy to start.

SW – Ran ‘Who owns Birmingham?’ Land Registry data event in December.  Master classes on land registry data will take place in 2018.

Action:    SW to retweet report to WMODF.

TJ – A website is under development for open data from HS2.

JD – There is a Birmingham Tableau User Group (BrumTug) being held on Thursday, 1st February at the Law University, Jewellery Quarter.

  • West Midlands Regional Analysts Group is to reconvene – date TBC
  • A mini hackathon is being planned re Commonwealth Games 2022.
  • JD was leaving the Fire Service for TfWM as a spatial analyst. Who might replace him at WMODF as a representative of the Blue Light Services?

HR – He will be visiting (privately) the Gold Coast this summer and will discuss data issues when there.

SCL – Predictive Analysis (aka Upstream) was a topic of the moment in Local Government circles.  There was a TED talk about modelling for children in care in the US.

-Henry Kippin (BCC) has some data on this

  1. AOB

Next meetings: Wednesday, 21st March, 16.45 at Innovation Birmingham and Wednesday, 23rd May, 10.30 in Coventry.

 

 

MEETING TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 17TH JANUARY 2018, 16.45-18.15

INNOVATION BIRMINGHAM, FARADAY WHARF

~ A G E N D A ~

16.45     1)     Apologies, notes and matters arising from meeting 15/11/2017 (notes on web site)

16.55      2)     Updates on key issues/standing items

  • Open Data events                       PR
  • GDPR                                          DW/GB
  • Metro Mayor                                PR
  • ODI node                                     HR
  • Open data and health/social care PR
  • Web site                                       DW/CP

17.25      3)      Review of WMODF in 2017 and ideas for 2018      All

18.00     4)     Members’ brief updates (round robin of items and events not on agenda)

18.10     5)     AOB and dates of next meetings (21st March 2018)

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Getting Ready For General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2017/11/24/getting-ready-for-general-data-protection-regulations-gdpr/ https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2017/11/24/getting-ready-for-general-data-protection-regulations-gdpr/#respond Fri, 24 Nov 2017 09:28:10 +0000 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/?p=670 The implementation of the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) seems to be one of the greatest causes of anxiety across all business sectors. Whilst there will be a change in emphasis, in some areas, on how data is collected and managed, it is important to remember that we already have extensive data protection regulations in place.

The implementation of GDPR should be an opportunity to assess how fit for purpose your existing data protection processes are rather than a reason to start again from scratch. Unfortunately, a delay in solid guidance has led to a sense of panic and a cottage industry in GDPR compliance. If you have any concerns about GDPR, and how it impacts your business, then you should look at the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) document on Preparing for GDPR and the Getting Ready for GDPR Checklist. There is a lot of information out there on GDPR, but you should always focus on the ICO as the people with final responsibility for implementing the regulations.

In relation to data protection itself, there are three basic principles that you should ensure are embedded in your organisation.

1) You know what data you collect from people
2) You can justify why you collect it
3) You have obtained consent to collect it and store it

These principles are at the heart of historic data protection legislation and this doesn’t change with GDPR. GDPR provides a framework for being clearer on how you manage each of those three principles. This means that there are a number of domains in which it expects you to assess your business.

Do you have adequate governance in place to manage the collection and storing of data? This spans from policies about data storage and data breach to accountable individuals in an organisation. If you are collecting data, then you should already be aware of whether or not you are Data Controller or Data Processor. You should also be aware of how you manage the data you hold. Writing your processes down, and lines of accountability are the first part of creating a policy around data protection.

Are you clear on what data you collect, who you collect it from and who you share it with? A is a process that organisations should carry out routinely but if this is something you haven’t considered before, don’t worry. Auditing data is a relatively simple process. List all the data types you collect, in all forms, find out the method of collecting it, why you are doing it and whether that it shared with anyone else. This provides a basis for beginning to assess if you have a lawful basis for collecting data.

Can you set out why you are collecting data from people? For each data element, you collect you should be able to set out the purpose of collecting data, whether you have consent to collect that data and whether you have permission to store that data.

Consent is the area that might require you to make changes in your processes. There is already a legal requirement to seek consent to store data but GDPR will set a higher standard of consent. The ICO has created a useful page for considering how you manage consent. The most important change requires you to ensure that when people provide consent to collect and store data that consent is informed. You need to ensure that reasons for data collection are not hidden in terms of conditions and that consent isn’t gained through pre-ticked boxes. Consent, or lack of, should also not be a barrier to receiving a service.

The change in emphasis on how organisations react to individuals is probably the most significant change in GDPR. The changes to how organisations must respond to subject access requests create much shorter timescales for organisations to identify what data they hold on individuals. Additionally, you need to be clear on how you will allow individuals to remove their data, edit their data or take their data for their own use. This change of emphasis shouldn’t change the way you manage data and ensure its security, but it should clarify that the data you hold belongs to the individual it relates to.

The implementation of GDPR is an opportunity to be more open about why you collect data from the people you interact with, what you do with that data and how you secure that data. The process of evaluating the data you keep also creates an opportunity to identify data that can create a greater social benefit through being released as open data.  GDPR shouldn’t be a reason to panic and destroy your data collection systems.

Contributed by Darren Wright Inside Outcomes CIC

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West Midlands Urban Challenge – digital opportunities https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2017/11/22/west-midlands-urban-challenge-digital-opportunities/ https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2017/11/22/west-midlands-urban-challenge-digital-opportunities/#respond Wed, 22 Nov 2017 17:08:26 +0000 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/?p=666 Urban Challenge is an open call competition for technology startups to develop new ideas to make the West Midlands a better place to live and work by pitching directly to the Mayor and the chance to work directly with officials from the West Midlands Combined Authority.  Supported by West MIdlands Combined Authority and PUBLIC.

“Digital is vital to the continued success of the West Midlands economy because it is the golden thread across all the industries which will provide jobs in the twenty-first century.” 

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands

Have a look at the challenge and associated funding at https://urbanchallenge.io/

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Upcoming events November 2017: https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2017/11/22/upcoming-events-november-2017/ https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2017/11/22/upcoming-events-november-2017/#respond Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:05:28 +0000 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/?p=664 Birmingham City University are running 2 events

Wednesday 22 November 10.00-14.00hrs

IBM – Blockchain, Cognitive and IoT industry event

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blockchain-cognitive-and-iot-industrial-event-tickets-39510301375

The event brings together researchers from BCU, Aston, UoB and businesses to network for future co-operations.

It’s organised by Adel Aneiba, who runs BCU’s IoT lab in Andy Aftelaks School of Computing.

Wednesday 29 November 12.00-18.00hrs

Exploring Data Beyond BIM

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exploring-data-beyond-bim-tickets-37063281272?aff=eac2

The event brings together academics with architectural technologists, architects, the construction industry and is also looking at IoT questions.

It’s organised by Prof Stephen Scaysbrook in BCU’s School of Built Environment.

 

WHO OWNS BIRMINGHAM is organised by Data Unlocked in conjunction with ODI Birmingham and the support of the Innovation Engine.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/who-owns-birmingham-tickets-40094460611

The Panama and Paradise Papers have shone a light on tax evasion/avoidance and secret offshore banking. They have also generated increased interest in who owns what as well as where and how it is owned.

The Land Registry recently made available the details of land ownership in England and Wales by UK companies and corporate bodies as well as overseas companies. Data Unlocked have been working to put this into a more usable state for exploring and finding stories.

– Who is the largest property owner in Birmingham?

– What public spaces are owned by private companies?

– Where are the buildings owned by companies based in tax havens?

We think these are just some of the interesting questions that can be answered by the data in these releases. We are keen to find out what questions other people want answered too. With that in mind we will be running this workshop session where people can get together and explore the data about land ownership in Birmingham.

This event is open to everyone regardless of whether you consider yourself to be an expert at data, land ownership or neither. If anyone needs help to explore the files then we will be on hand to offer our expertise.Parking is available either under Faraday Wharf or opposite iCentrum at Car Park 5 of Aston University.

 

The Danish Embassy in London, The Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority are right now trying to promote an event called “The Liveable City” on 29/30 November2017 taking place in Birmingham in late November. In particular: the event concerning Smart Cities and the use of big data within cities could be of great relevance to Open Data. All seminars are free to attend. Registration is required.

#Liveablecity:

Masterplanning and housing:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/masterplanning-and-housing-putting-people-first-registration-39443044207

District Heating:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/district-heating-delivering-affordable-heat-registration-39445084309

Trust In Architecture:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/trust-in-architecture-the-bedrock-of-liveability-registration-39449315966

Smart Cities:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/smart-city-efficiency-through-big-data-registration-39445324026

Transport and Connectivity:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transport-and-connectivity-cities-in-motion-registration-39446074270

 

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Introduction to GDPR – published by the Information Commissioner’s Office https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2017/11/01/introduction-to-gdpr-published-by-the-information-commissioners-office/ https://www.wmodf.org.uk/2017/11/01/introduction-to-gdpr-published-by-the-information-commissioners-office/#respond Wed, 01 Nov 2017 16:31:53 +0000 https://www.wmodf.org.uk/?p=653

This overview highlights the key themes of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to help organisations understand the new legal framework in the EU. It explains the similarities with the existing UK Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA), and describes some of the new and different requirements. It is for those who have day-to-day responsibility for data protection.

This is a living document and we are working to expand it in key areas. It includes links to relevant sections of the GDPR itself, to other ICO guidance and to guidance produced by the EU’s Article 29 Working Party. The Working Party includes representatives of the data protection authorities from each EU member state, and the ICO is the UK’s representative.

The GDPR will apply in the UK from 25 May 2018. The government has confirmed that the UK’s decision to leave the EU will not affect the commencement of the GDPR.

The ICO is committed to assisting businesses and public bodies to prepare to meet the requirements of the GDPR ahead of May 2018 and beyond. We acknowledge that there may still be questions about how the GDPR would apply in the UK on leaving the EU, but this should not distract from the important task of compliance with the GDPR.

With so many businesses and services operating across borders, international consistency around data protection laws and rights is crucial both to businesses and organisations, and to individuals. The ICO’s role has always involved working closely with regulators in other countries, and that will continue to be the case. Having clear laws with safeguards in place is more important than ever given the growing digital economy, and we will work with government to stay at the centre of these conversations about the long term future of UK data protection law and to provide our advice and counsel where appropriate.

Who does the GDPR apply to?

  • The GDPR applies to ‘controllers’ and ‘processors’. The definitions are broadly the same as under the DPA – ie the controller says how and why personal data is processed and the processor acts on the controller’s behalf. If you are currently subject to the DPA, it is likely that you will also be subject to the GDPR.

    If you are a processor, the GDPR places specific legal obligations on you; for example, you are required to maintain records of personal data and processing activities. You will have significantly more legal liability if you are responsible for a breach. These obligations for processors are a new requirement under the GDPR.

    However, if you are a controller, you are not relieved of your obligations where a processor is involved – the GDPR places further obligations on you to ensure your contracts with processors comply with the GDPR.

  • The GDPR applies to processing carried out by organisations operating within the EU. It also applies to organisations outside the EU that offer goods or services to individuals in the EU.
  • The GDPR does not apply to certain activities including processing covered by the Law Enforcement Directive, processing for national security purposes and processing carried out by individuals purely for personal/household activities.

What information does the GDPR apply to?

Personal data

Like the DPA, the GDPR applies to ‘personal data’. However, the GDPR’s definition is more detailed and makes it clear that information such as an online identifier – eg an IP address – can be personal data. The more expansive definition provides for a wide range of personal identifiers to constitute personal data, reflecting changes in technology and the way organisations collect information about people.

For most organisations, keeping HR records, customer lists, or contact details etc, the change to the definition should make little practical difference. You can assume that if you hold information that falls within the scope of the DPA, it will also fall within the scope of the GDPR.

The GDPR applies to both automated personal data and to manual filing systems where personal data are accessible according to specific criteria. This is wider than the DPA’s definition and could include chronologically ordered sets of manual records containing personal data.

Personal data that has been pseudonymised – eg key-coded – can fall within the scope of the GDPR depending on how difficult it is to attribute the pseudonym to a particular individual.


Sensitive personal data

The GDPR refers to sensitive personal data as “special categories of personal data” (see Article 9). These categories are broadly the same as those in the DPA, but there are some minor changes.

For example, the special categories specifically include genetic data, and biometric data where processed to uniquely identify an individual.

Personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences are not included, but similar extra safeguards apply to its processing (see Article 10).

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