The Data Sharing Network of Experts (DSNE) started in September 2022. It was set up to:
- understand how government shares data
- learn from best practice
- identify common challenges
- and reduce duplication
DSNE is a cross-government virtual team who help solve problems with sharing data between departments and agencies. DSNE contributes to the government’s vision for better joined up public services and productivity, outlined in the blueprint for modern digital government.
DSNE provides impartial advice to resolve complex data sharing issues, including legal, policy and security concerns. Its work helps influence systemic changes to improve data sharing, contributing to programmes such as the Data Marketplace service and the AI Playbook for the UK Government. Additionally, it provides a platform to gather data professionals perspectives when shaping such initiatives.
By resolving these challenges, DSNE supports a privacy-positive culture and fosters more efficient government data sharing, ultimately benefitting public services.
How the Data Sharing Network of Experts works
When government departments face challenges in data sharing, DSNE steps in to offer support. The process begins when data sharing cases are referred to DSNE, particularly those that are blocked. Each case is triaged, and the team assesses the core issues preventing progress.
After assessing the case, DSNE provides impartial, cross-government facilitation, working with internal stakeholders to help departments reach decisions. Importantly, DSNE does not make final decisions; rather, it offers advisory services and facilitates the discussion to help departments resolve conflicts themselves.
If the issue persists despite DSNE's involvement, the matter can be escalated. Escalation routes move through the senior leadership of the involved departments, and, if needed, extend to the Chief Data Officers (CDO) Council, permanent secretaries and even ministers.
DSNE tackles a range of issues
One major challenge has been overcoming technical, legal and cultural barriers to data sharing, which have been made worse by inconsistent approaches. DSNE can handle a variety of challenges around data sharing, such as:
- Clarifying the application of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018
- Evaluating data sharing gateways and their compliance
- Addressing concerns around data security and privacy controls
- Implementing practical data protection principles, such as data minimisation
- Managing differences in risk appetite between departments
- Finalising data sharing agreements to ensure both parties are aligned
- Facilitating better communication between data acquirers and suppliers
- Signposting to other data expertise when necessary
DNSE handled 30 cases between 2022 and 2024. These cases spanned a wide range of government bodies, including the Cabinet Office, HM Revenue and Customs, and Department for Transport.
From these cases the most roadblocks to data sharing in government included:
- Lack of awareness and inconsistent processes – departments have varying levels of data maturity and governance, and about 20% of data sharing cases lack clear guidance at the outset
- Lawfulness – identifying legal gateways early is crucial for lawful data processing
- Personal data concerns – misperceptions about UK GDPR often lead to late recognition of personal data protection requirements
- Data protection by design – data protection should be considered from the start, not as an afterthought
- Data sharing agreements – relying on rigid agreement formats can hinder progress; agreements should be informed by risk assessments. These findings highlight the need for early planning, clear processes, legal and data protection expertise, and flexibility in data sharing agreements to overcome common barriers
The wider impact of DSNE
DSNE significantly impacts government operations by improving data sharing and promoting collaboration. The benefits of this include:
- Stronger collaboration between departments, ensuring a consistent approach to shared challenges
- Increased efficiency by streamlining workflows
- Building trust by focusing on privacy and addressing security concerns early on
- Driving change by shaping data sharing policies and improving frameworks for more effective solutions
- Enhancing public services by breaking down data sharing barriers and helping agencies make better decisions
The DSNE team meets every six weeks and as data becomes ever more important in government, DSNE's work will remain essential for solving the complexities of data sharing while keeping privacy and data protection as top priorities.
Get in touch to find out more
If you have a data sharing case you'd like assistance with, or if you're interested in learning more about DSNE, you can contact us at:
Murat Soncul
Head of Data Protection, Government Digital Service (GDS)
murat.soncul@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk
Kiran Mistry
Senior Data Protection Advisor, Government Digital Service (GDS)
kiran.mistry@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk
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