At LOTI, we run Data networks that cover a broad range of data topics from very strategic to deep in detail technical. The breadth and depths of knowledge exchanged across these groups is a testament to the growing maturity of data capabilities across London.

This blog is a window into some of the most interesting and useful insights shared across these networks to give you a flavour of our London borough data community.

Data Leaders: Shaping strategic capability

The Data Leaders network is for Chief Data Officers and Heads of Data, or anyone who is thinking strategically about data capabilities in LOTI Boroughs.

Recently, we’ve been sharing insights on:

• Data platforms:  The boroughs’ experience of adopting the latest low code analytical platforms and which innovative configurations of technology are being implemented to enable golden records, advanced analytics and simpler data sharing with external partners.
• Data quality: We are discussing strategy and what innovative ideas exist for engagement, training and buy in, including games, data days to incentivise error correction and providing live DQ visibility to teams
• Data Culture: Related to quality is culture, we have discussed what a good data culture looks like and how to foster it, including data away days, building relationships with analysts in the service areas and building an understanding of data across the whole organisation.
• Adult Social Care: We have looked at data insights in Adult Social Care from Croydon and Camden from the front end insights through to the relationships required to get them built.

Our strategic network also maintains repositories of collective intelligence, including:

• Collective library of data projects: A library of all the data projects and planned analysis work taking place across LOTI Boroughs. 
• Repository of London Borough Data strategies: We have used this to draft a template data strategy, a document that attempts to crystalise the key elements to include in a borough data strategy. 
• Analytical Roles framework: Building on initial work done at Westminster City Council, we have collectively adapted it to be applicable and usable across London, making it easier for boroughs to recruit, develop, and retain the specialist data talent they need

Data Science: Sharing the journey, not just the results

The LOTI Data Science Network is designed as a supportive, collaborative space where members can share their journey as much as their results. At our monthly online meeting and in the Basecamp space, we actively encourage the discussion of work in progress alongside finished projects, viewing the process as integral to our collective learning.

A favourite topic of the network is address matching, a foundational task for all borough data teams. We have had presentations from Hammersmith and Fulham and Richmond and Wandsworth on bespoke approaches, Hackney and Tower Hamlets on using the ASSIGN API, and Robin Linacre from MoJ (Ministry of Justice) on their UK Address Matcher tool.

We have also seen a variety of practical demonstrations, including:

• A walk through from the GLA (Greater London Authority) of various iterations of modeling including Bayesian, functional form non-linear regression and linear decision trees as part of work to understand complex footfall data in high streets.
• Demonstrations of tooling that uses various data science and machine learning techniques to speed up and automate key council tasks. Lambeth presented the data science behind their in-house document redaction app, including how it is used to detect and redact personal information from PDFs, images, and data files, and their experience in deploying it in their AWS (Amazon Web Services) environment for use by Lambeth staff including the Subject Access Request Team.
• The implementation of a bespoke Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solution by Lewisham’s Data Science and Insight Team, in collaboration with the Housing Income and Support Team, to automate Universal Credit (UC) housing cost verifications via the DWP Landlord Portal.

Pan-London rapid updates

We have recently been experimenting with a new format that invites boroughs to do a 5 minute rapid update on a range of data projects or 1 project in detail. Highlights included boroughs leveraging advanced data techniques to tackle complex local challenges:

• Hackney is automating data quality with Python-based testing and exploring the SAVVI (Scalable Approach to Vulnerability via Interoperability) framework for vulnerability tracking.
• Lewisham is experimenting with satellite imagery analysis to identify empty homes by monitoring garden vegetation.
• Lambeth is deploying predictive models for social care and property maintenance alongside new cloud-based operational tools.
• Newham is transitioning to a modern Microsoft Fabric architecture supported by ‘Splink’ for entity resolution.
• Camden is experimenting with AI-driven RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) tools for FOI (Freedom of Information) requests and predictive modelling to understand drivers of child development.
• Hammersmith & Fulham presented a machine learning solution to streamline Selective Licencing compliance, illustrating the impressive breadth of technical ambition driving service improvements across London’s local government.

Building Capability

All of this work sits alongside and informs our programme of data training which includes:

• Data for Decision-Making: Turning Information into Impact – for Heads of Service and Managers 
• Data methodology fast track: 6 steps to set your data projects up for success – a hands-on workshop for all staff involved in data projects.
• GDPR for Data Professionals.

Join the conversation

If you work for a LOTI member borough or organisation and would like to join one of the Data Networks please complete our form online.