FSA to use data science in surveillance
The Food Standards Agency is planning to use data science to establish risk insights as part of its surveillance work.
It is looking for specialist support, which it has valued at £1.6-1.8 million over two years, to help it make better use of data in ensuring food sold to the public is safe. A notice on the Digital Marketplace says it recognises the need to establish complementary approaches to risk identification, and build surveillance using more linked data sources with advanced analytics and data science.
The agency specifies the need for a flexible surveillance ecosystem to support timely decisions and interventions, and to contribute to preparations for the UK’s exit from the EU.
Tendring Council gives cyber training to members
Tendring District Council has launched a cyber awareness training programme for its 60 elected members. It has adopted the Dojo package, developed by cc2i, largely in response to the approach of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), but also to ensure they are aware of the requirements of cyber security.
The programme covers a range of topics including phishing, password management, social media, file sharing and offline security, along with two modules on GDPR. It involves four briefing sessions, run by the head of cyber security for Essex Police, and video sessions.
NHS SBS claims savings from ePay
NHS Shared Business Services has said that 50 organisations have now installed its digital ePay system and are beginning to report significant savings. It highlighted Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust forecasting savings of almost £500,000 over five years by eliminating the use of 1,000 paper forms per month, and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust using it to replace paper processes.
ePay was designed to interface with the NHS Electronic Staff Record and has modules for expenses, salary, absence and HR. It can also be adapted with bespoke rules to fit an organisation’s policies.
Kent Police picks telent for digital asset management
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent has identified telent Technology Services as preferred supplier to develop a proof of concept for a digital asset management system to store, analyse and share images, videos, audio clips and documents. It will be capable of sharing the assets with third parties such as Crown Prosecution Service, Border Force and other police forces.
The contract is likely to lead to a framework agreement that could lead to the provision of a full system for the force or any others in the country.
Image by Andrew Malone, CC BY 2.0 through flickr
