In order to improve and rationalise the future reporting landscape, a priority for phase 2 of the Local Government Data Platform project is for local government and Scottish Government to work together to develop governance arrangements for agreeing current and future data reporting.
The Oversight Group has endorsed principles for improved governance going forward which would include the establishment of a new Local Government Data Reporting Governance Group.
A Local Government Data Reporting Governance Group (LGDRGG) would introduce a more strategic, pro-active, and coherent approach to the management of data returns, whereby decisions on current and future data reporting are made jointly by local government and Scottish Government. This approach would embrace the principles of the Verity House Agreement, and the commitment to a more collaborative approach between local government and Scottish Government to delivering on our shared priorities. It would also ensure a focus on reporting which is essential to evidence improvement in outcomes in partnership, ensuring that we take account of existing data reporting and consider streamlining and reducing where possible.
The Oversight Group and Scottish Government are currently engaging to explore how this might be progressed.
It is worth noting, that similar governance arrangements have already been introduced in England, between the UK Government and local government (via the LGA). The single list of data returns was established in 2012, and UK Government departments are now required to follow a process before introducing new data collections, with a gateway group co-chaired by central and local government established to provide review and sign off. Encouragingly, this approach has seen a reduction in the number of data collections required from local authorities, providing reassurance on the potential effectiveness of this approach in leading to the rationalisation of the data reporting landscape.
Phone: 07747 711310
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Phase 1 Final Report
The final report of the first (discovery) phase of the project.
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The Crerar Review
Report of the independent review of regulation, audit, inspection and complaints handling of public services in Scotland.
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The Verity House Agreement
Partnership agreement between the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and the Scottish Government “setting out our vision for a more collaborative approach to delivering our shared priorities for the people of Scotland.”