Numberwang #4 - April 2023

Heather Ryan; Lead Consultant, Kin + Carta​

With a background in Physics, Astrophysics, and Cosmology from Lancaster University, Heather brings a unique perspective to the data world. Specialising in data strategy and experimentation, she has substantial experience in setting up and managing large, award-winning experimentation programs and is passionate about improving the way organisations use data to drive decision-making and innovation

Unlocking the power of teamwork to advance data-driven organisational change

For organisations to become truly data-driven, they need to see the value in data.  As analysts, it's our job to translate information to insights, but it's not only on us to ensure the message lands. In this talk Heather will discuss some tips to tailor your message to the audience and why teamwork really does make the dream work.

​Grace Dean; Senior Analyst, NHS England

After studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Durham University, Grace began her analytical career in web optimisation. Moving to NHS England in 2021, Grace currently leads on the analysis of Urgent and Emergency Care services for the region. She has a passion for telling stories with data and mixes her technical skills with engaging visualisations to create an exciting and informative narrative for stakeholders.

Adapting our ways of working to meet the growing demand for data across the NHS

This talk will explore the increasing demand for data across the NHS and will demonstrate how utilising open-source software has allowed analysts to reduce the burden of regular reporting, overcome technical difficulties and release capacity to meet the ever-growing appetite for data.

Helen Graham: Senior Data Scientist, Foods Standards Agency

A quantitative social scientist by background, Helen eventually discovered the wonders of data science, and then escaped academia for the civil service in 2018. Since then she has been part of the journey that has seen data science at the FSA mature from isolated proofs of concept to a well-embedded function delivering trusted tools and insights to a range of operational, scientific and policy teams.

Challenges and opportunities for delivering value with data science in a government agency

Data science gives an organisation like the FSA the tools to enhance our evidence base and help us do more with less, but it's not always straightforward to turn this potential into impact. This talk will reflect on some of the challenges the FSA has encountered along the way, and the lessons learned from them.