Data sharing: overcoming cultural barriers In this feature fear reputation recommendations Reap the rewards A new report into the difficulties surrounding data sharing suggests five ways to increase the flow of information including the use of speed dating techniques. Maeve Sinnott reports I nformation sharing between regulatory services has always been a challenge. Confusion about what the Data Protection Act (DPA) allows is often cited as one of the main issues along with the high administrative burden of sharing data, and the failure of organisations to identify data sharing as a priority. In late 2015, the Better Regulation Delivery Ofce now part of Regulatory Delivery tasked the Centre of Excellence for Information Sharing (CEIS) with investigating how to overcome these barriers. Its report, Overcoming cultural barriers to information sharing within regulatory services published in July 2016 considers the common hurdles: the complexity of the regulatory landscape; the lack of coordination that increases the burden on businesses; misconceptions around the DPA; and a general cultural of fear around sharing information incorrectly, risking reputation, and nes. This risk-aversion approach can be overcome, the report argues, by implementing ve recommendations although doing this will take personal and organisational effort. It states that rewards can be reaped by the increase of information-sharing across the regulatory sector. The five recommendations Developing a myth-busting guide to dispel common misconceptions around information sharing is also recommended to translate policy into practice Lessons learned from discussions with regulators by listening to their experiences of the cultural barriers that prevent information sharing were channelled into ve recommendations for the sector. The rst is simply that all regulatory organisations commit to improving understanding of the advantages of good information sharing. Future guidance, issued by organisations such as Regulatory Delivery and the Local Government Association, should highlight these benets and set out good practice examples. Regulatory bodies should also continue to work towards improving organisational attitudes to information sharing. A two-pronged approach is recommended: helping staff to improve competency and information-sharing practices as part of their professional development, alongside managers developing and strengthening their induction, training and guidance processes. Multi-agency working and improving opportunities for networking across organisations is the third recommendation. Using peer-support networks, techniques like speed dating sessions and resources such as case studies, fact sheets and interactive materials are advised. Regulatory Delivery and Better Business for All (BBfA) are tasked with supporting the development of strong leadership in this area, by establishing a network that enables colleagues to discuss and share experiences of strategies and condence growing. Developing a myth-busting guide to dispel common misconceptions around information sharing is also recommended, to help translate policy into practice. Putting businesses at the heart of the regulatory process fuels the fth recommendation: developing shared communication strategies through partnership such as targeting the issue of dangerous reworks by using information about their role in supporting criminal activity. Initiating discussions about how to improve partnership working including opportunities for co-located services and new ways of working are all part of the process of trying to improve regulatory services and enshrining businesses at their centres. Business benefits Sharing data has as many direct benets for the businesses that are being regulated as for the regulators and the report advocates communicating these. Better information sharing helps regulators to develop their strategic direction and improve their engagement with the business community. It can enable earlier intervention for struggling businesses, offering them greater support to develop. Joint programmes of inspection and support can minimise the reporting burden on companies, while up-to-date information and good regulation can improve relationships overall. The CEIS report promotes a move away from risk aversion, towards a more open regulatory approach that puts businesses at the heart of the work. Credits Maeve Sinnott was a junior reporter at TS Today at the time of writing. Images: retrorocket / Shutterstock To share this page, in the toolbar click on You might also like Data discussions February 2016