Open data – no longer an optional extra for the VCS

Today saw the launch of the Open Public Services White Paper – NCVO's policy people have already provided an instant analysis, with more to come.

I thought I'd focus on some of the open data aspects of the paper - the government has made accountability and transparency a key part of its reform agenda. I think there are some big implications for the sector, as well as for the open data movement as a whole.

Here at NCVO and in many other parts of the voluntary sector over the last year or so we've been talking about open data, what the possible implications are for the sector, how it should respond, what are the challenges and what are the opportunities. 

It's all felt quite philosophical so far – apart from organisations that have grabbed open data by the scruff of the neck, like ECDP, and developers like OKF and opencharities - there's been lots of talking but it's not felt 'real'. The white paper changes that, as the quote on page 19 makes clear:

"Providers of public services from all sectors will need to publish information on performance and user satisfaction."

This instruction turns open data from a nice-to-have to an essential part of providing a service, at least for those charities that provide public services (currently around a third of charities, but the government hopes the number will grow). There's not much detail on how this will be implemented or policed, but perhaps the new "right to data" will encompass non-statutory bodies too.

I think this could be a good thing – the ethos of open data and transparency is an important one for VCOs: I think being a transparent organisation can help you improve your services and get the best value for your beneficiaries. The "sector-blind" nature of the white paper means that this applies equally to private sector and voluntary sector organisations, although some will be worried about commercial confidentiality.

But it presents a challenge too, particularly if it's compulsory – does your organisation have the time or resources to start opening up its data? Do you have the skills to present it in an open and standard format? Can you separate out the personal data you hold (which would definitely not be released) from your performance and satisfaction data?