A lack of routine data sharing is providing a barrier to government organisations working together effectively, according to the National Audit Office (NAO).
It has published a report on lessons learned in cross-government working that includes a focus on data sharing and evidence of its existing limitations.
This includes reference to work by the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury identifying the barriers through a survey of practitioners last year.
It found that 63% felt that technical issues made it difficult to share data effectively across government, and 62% saw an unwillingness in departments to share as a major problem.
“To combat these issues, HM Treasury and Cabinet Office identified areas where they could do more to better support cross-government working,” the report says. “These were structures, priorities, spending, data sharing, culture and best practice.
“They found that there was further to go in ensuring an open and collaborative culture that rewards and recognises its people.”
Improvement measures
It highlights the need to do more towards interoperability by embedding data standards, improve data quality and address problems caused by legacy IT systems. Along with putting in place data sharing agreements, these should enable better data sharing.
The report adds that departments need the right data to understand and evaluate the success of cross-government interventions, and performance data to improve decision making.
Other key features of the report for improving cross-government working include the need to properly define responsibilities and accountabilities, strengthening governance, improving programme and risk management, and identifying and sharing best practice.
