Leveraging data in the Covid-19 pandemic

The lessons learnt from handling data during the Covid-19 pandemic will assume even more relevance as we emerge from the pandemic and the processes of Reset (mindset), Reform (services) and Renew (better outcomes) gather momentum for the future. These are fundamental principles underpinning Socitm’s prospectus for the future, post-pandemic, in Planting the Flag. The prospectus presents eight building blocks for change, including leveraging data insights.

This white paper investigates and explores the work that local councils, across the UK and Europe, have done to collate, analyse and use data to design and provision essential services during the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic. The examples and experiences cited present opportunities for councils to take deliberate action to introduce and sustain new ways of leveraging data and to extend support for their communities by embedding innovative practices and processes where these have proven benefits.