IfG reports on data sharing during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Article summary

The Institute for Government (IfG) has examined at how data sharing was used during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and how to overcome current legislation and technical barriers. The IfG's report has found that coronavirus forced changes to standard working practice which meant that new data sharing agreements were created quickly, and highlights what these changes were and how they can make future practice better. The IfG has recommended that the government should retain data protection officers and data protection impact assessments; consult on how data sharing between central and local government can be improved; create a data sharing playbook and have the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation lead guidance and resources on public engagement.