Why DataJam North East is about more than just data

I’m attending DataJam North East in Newcastle on 17 and 18 September.
If you haven’t already heard about it, it’s a Hack and unconference focused on using data and service design to make a difference to big issues in the region (You can apply here for tickets).
I’m really looking forward to it for many reasons, but especially because as a policymaker seeking better use of data across government it’s a really great concept, and because I’m keen to see OneTeamGov’s networked community and principles turn into practical reform of the public sector.
It will bring the One Team Gov principles to life
When I heard that Ryan Dunn, Celine McLoughlin and colleagues from a range of other organisations were bringing together people — from public, private, academic voluntary sectors — to talk about (and take action on) improving public services in the region, I was excited enough to see the One Team Gov principles of inclusivity, empathy and collaboration coming to life.
To then consider that the focus would be data, and its more central role in developing products to support citizens, I rushed to sign up. From long before I joined the civil service (I’m a recovering academic) I believed data and evidence should play a more prominent role in serving the public interest — in OneTeamGov we have a movement of public servants supporting just that, and DataJam North East embodies the practical action required to make it a reality.
It’s great to have senior attention on data issues, but it’s what happens as a result that matters.
The open, collaborative nature of the agenda — and the space to work collectively on real data with modern tools in pursuit of solutions to real-world problems — meets more of the OTG principles: working in the open and positively, taking practical action and embracing technology. There’s even an unconference — who doesn’t love a good unconference?

It’s the right time for an event like this
I really hope the event succeeds — it has all the ingredients to do so. The timing couldn’t be better in so many respects, given that the UK government is committed to a national data strategy — indeed, on the second day of the event, the most senior Civil Service forum dedicated to data governance will meet in London.
It’s about creating new networks
The power of DataJam NE won’t just be in what each team produces in the Hack sessions — it’ll be in the discussion of problems to be addressed, the sharing of data and above all the creation of new and unusual networks. Sustaining them while delivering our day jobs will be the biggest challenge, but the legacy from the event will be as important as the ideas created in the room during the two days.
I’m looking forward to meeting lots of people from across industry and government and it’s great to see the event taking shape. I can’t wait to see where it goes as it has the potential to inform how the rest of the public sector adopts new ways of working to address complex social challenges.
Hopefully I’ll see you there! Register here for tickets.