The aim of this workshop, held on 18-19th September 2017, was to co-create a preferred ‘minimum viable model’ for effective data flows in Scotland.

This was achieved by evaluating six options (including the existing model), identifying potentially valid models based on agreed design principles, and comparing the effort and value of each valid model in order to reach a preferred model.

The preferred Data Flow model and a transcript of the workshop discussions are included in the workshop outputs document (available below).

Outputs from the SBIF Review Workshop on Data Flows [PDF, 56pp, 2.3MB]

 

The important messages from the workshop were:

  1. That overall data flow should be centralised for maximum efficiency and to facilitate the availability of records for everyone (whether local, regional, national or central).
  2. That a single centralised route for the submission of ad hoc records should be established to accept records from anywhere in the UK.
  3. That both off line and online capture of records should be accommodated, including those from social media, but formal record submission is to be online.
  4. That verification happens at multiple points during the data flow pathway; auto-verification is crucial for efficiency in handling the bulk of records that can be accepted without further assessment, while allowing records that need expert verification to be flagged. Both verified and unverified records to be aggregated but with a ‘quality stamp’ so that they are available and are of known quality.
  5. That aggregation should be facilitated as early as possible in the data flow pathway so that the aggregated records can help verification decisions and so that all data are available in context (with sensitive data restricted appropriately) for all users.
  6. That analysis tools are required at a national level for Scotland to meet Scottish needs while being part of a shared UK toolset.
  7. That improved feedback to recorders and ongoing access to their own records is key for effective engagement and recognition of recorders.