Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 49
49
The evidence we have heard on data sharing between the governments suggests that there are...
Conclusion
The evidence we have heard on data sharing between the governments suggests that there are three main operational issues regarding data sharing: • data that the DWP may hold but may not currently share due to established processes underpinning consent and data protection, such as Universal Credit client data; • data that DWP do hold but in a format that isn’t readily transferable or amalgamated as requested by the Scottish Government; or • data that DWP don’t hold or routinely collect that the Scottish Government ideally would like.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
DWP considers fully and responds to all data sharing requests from the Scottish Government. It has established a dedicated Scottish Devolution Data Sharing Board, which brings together DWP experts to fully consider any requests and ensure that responses are managed consistently and efficiently. This Board considers any legal constraints and how these could be mitigated, ensuring there is protection of claimants’ rights, clarity of purpose, proportionality of data shared, and a consideration of whether DWP is the most appropriate source for the highest quality, most up-to- date data available. DWP is already working with the Scottish Government to ensure a clearer understanding of data processes. To do this, the Chief Data Officers of DWP and the Scottish Government have previously established a regular forum to address all aspects of sharing data across the two organisations. DWP’s Data Sharing Policy Statement has been shared with the Scottish Government to enable clear understanding between both organisations, and to ensure consistency. Each data sharing request must be examined, and the data decisions must be made and discharged by DWP, as the relevant Data Controller, in line with its legal accountabilities.