Government Digital and Data Hub

Organiser: GOV.UK

What: The Government Digital and Data Hub is designed for everyone working in digital and data roles across the UK public sector. Whether you’re an experienced digital and data specialist or just beginning your journey in central government, local authorities, the NHS, police, fire services, or any other public body – this is is your space to learn, connect, and contribute to building public services that make a real difference.

This is the first cross-public sector initiative led by central government to bring together learning, careers, collaboration, and community – all in one place.

When? Varies

Read more and register: https://governmentdigitalanddatahub

Data Community of Practice (LOTI)

Organiser: LOTI

What: LOTI hosts three communities of practice to bring together data professionals working across our member boroughs.

  • Data Leaders – a network of senior leaders who want to discuss how to use data strategically in their organisations. This group, which includes representatives from other major public sector organisations like the Met Police and the London Fire Brigade.
  • Data Practitioners – a network for all those involved in the day to day running of data projects, who want to discuss common challenges and share examples of their work. They meet quarterly but have active discussions through LOTI’s Basecamp platform.
  • Data Scientists – a network for data scientists and analysts learning to code.

When? They meet monthly

Read more and register: https://loti.london

Microsoft UK Data Forum

Organiser: Microsoft

What: The Microsoft Data Sub Group is designed for UK Local Government but open to anyone in Local Government worldwide.

A subgroup of the UK Innovation and Collaboration Forum, this community-led group is focused on the art of making the most of data in Public Sector. Covering ethics, best practice, policy, use cases and more; the group works together to share and maximise value through collaboration.

When? Monthly

Read more and register: Please join the UK Innovation and Collaboration Forum to gain access to this subgroup. If you are already registered with the forum, you can sign up for the data group directly on Microsoft Forms.

Socitm Nations and Regions Forum (NRF)

Organiser: Socitm

What: Formerly known as the LCIOC, the NRF is an autonomous group that acts in a policy advisory capacity to the Socitm Board.

Representatives on the council cover all geographic areas of the country, along with differing sizes of local authority, and other public and third sector bodies such as education, police, health, etc.

Membership is typically reserved for senior members of staff, and the purpose of the group is to discuss local public services digital delivery and reform.

When? Every 3 months, 15:00 to 17:00

Read more and register: https://socitm.net/about/nations-regions-forum

Public Services Network (PSN)

What: The PSN is the government’s high-performance network, which helps public sector organisations work together, reduce duplication and share resources.

Their priorities are to:

  • make compliance a simpler, clearer process for customers and service providers right across the PSN community
  • help customers and service providers work better together to fix incidents or issues on the PSN
  • work with customers and service providers to help them renew their compliance, taking into account their local situations and needs
  • review and develop the PSN operations centre capability to make sure it meets user needs

Read more and register: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/public-services-network#who-we-are

Data and Artificial Intelligence Ethics Community (UK Government)

Organiser: UK Government

What: The data and artificial intelligence ethics community is for people working in the public sector who are interested in discussing and exploring ethics in data and technology.

The community exists to:

  • provide a forum and safe space for people across the public sector
  • explore and discuss data ethics topics and issues
  • raise awareness and encourage people to consider how data ethics relate to their work
  • share real-world case studies, learnings and best practices
  • convene existing expertise and grow the community across the public sector
  • facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange
  • help to embed data ethics across public sector operations and practices

Meeting topics include:

  • the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS)
  • data ethics guidance for local authorities
  • the ethics of using AI to analyse user research

When? Monthly online workshops to share best practice and learn more about artificial intelligence use in government and regular email bulletins

Read more and register: Data and artificial intelligence ethics community – Service Manual – GOV.UK

LG Inform Plus

Organiser: LGA

What: LG Inform Plus provides subscribers with a suite of online tools for sharing and making best use of local authority data.

Why choose LG Inform Plus?

LG Inform Plus is tailored to meet the needs of UK councils, providing the data and tools to support informed decision-making, compliance, and operational efficiency.

With easy access to local data, strong governance tools, and a versatile API, councils can leverage these solutions to deliver better services, optimise resources, and ensure data security.

To subscribe: LG Inform Plus

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