Co-creating an open data policy framework and centralising open data portals in Greater Manchester. (GBGMC0001)

Commitment ID

GBGMC0001

Commitment Title

To improve open data and its visibility through co-creating an open data policy framework and centralising open data portals in Greater Manchester.

Problem

Political: Open data, especially in relation to public bodies, has intrinsic political elements. As a publicly funded organisation, we should strive to make as much information as accessible as possible, both in terms of transparency and also to support innovation within the region. 

Economic: Local businesses require high quality and accessible data about the region to support investment decisions and to understand our residents' needs. By joining up our open data approach, we can support businesses across our region. 

Social: Open data can be a great asset to initiatives with wider social aims including improving education and awareness. Without an established approach, this could result in these projects not realising intended benefits. 

Environmental: Information and data is key in supporting greener initiatives, analysing where regional priorities are and what initiatives might have the greatest impact. Without joined up and accessible information, this could impact upon delivery. 

Status quo

The GMCA currently does not have an established approach to open data. Though we do publish statutorily required information and data through various means such as our website and publication scheme, we currently lack an organisational approach by which useful data can be identified and made open and accessible to the public. The open data landscape is also disjointed across the Greater Manchester region. Whilst several partners across the Greater Manchester ecosystem, such as the ten local authorities, have their own open data policies, these have been developed separately from one another, with some pushing transparency further than others. As such, the approach to open data is not unified. Similarly, whilst a few partners employ a form of open data portal, a significant portiondo not, meaning that the quality and quantity of information and data made available to the public, and access to it, ranges variably between boroughs. 

Action

The GMCA's unique position as a combined authority means that not only can we tackle the problem of our own open data approach but we can also work with our local authority partners to improve transparency across our region. The aim of this commitment therefore will be to build upon the momentum of existing work outlined within the Greater Manchester Information Strategy (specifically an Information Sharing Framework and a Mapping GM tool providing geospatial data) to co-create an open data policy framework to facilitate a unified GM position in relation to the publication of data. This commitment will also seek to improve the visibility of data by centralising existing open data portals across Greater Manchester to improve ease of access.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

It is anticipated that having an open data policy framework in place will provide necessary guidance to Greater Manchester local authorities when publishing data to ensure that this is in line with expected standards. In turn, it is anticipated that this will provide greater uniformity to the data published, making this more navigable for data users and members of the public and therefore increasing public sector openness and transparency. Similarly, it is hoped that this greater openness will reduce the volume of Freedom of Information requests received by organisations, making information sharing a more proactive rather than reactive process and helping to increase public trust in local government.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

The long-term vision for open government in Greater Manchester forms part of a broader strategic ambition to create a thriving, inclusive, and transparent city region where every resident can live a good life. Good data,which is readily accessible to researchers, businesses etc., is key to ensuring that Greater Manchester continues to thrive as a city region and that this benefit is experienced by all residents. The Greater Manchester Strategyprioritises; access to timely and useable information about government decisions, equal opportunities for public participation in policy making, accountability and transparency in public resource management and collaborative governance involving civil society, academia and the private sector. This commitment to focus on and improve open data within the region will support these broader aims.

Primary Policy Area

Open Data, Right to Information

Primary Sector

Cross-sectoral, Public Services (general)

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?