Essex County Council has set up a Data Academy for its staff with an initial programme to provide training for 40 people.
The goal is to strengthen the organisation’s data capabilities, while boosting productivity and data literacy across teams.
Teaching is being delivered by Multiverse and is based on a 13-month data fellowship, a Level 4 apprenticeship, with a further offer of a degree level advanced data fellowship, giving graduates the tools to build analytics capabilities.
Courses include ‘Data insights for business decisions’, which equips commissioners working within the with the technical skills and knowledge to navigate the data landscape confidently.
Staff enrolled in the academy also have the opportunity to complete a 13-month business transformation fellowship, which covers competencies including defining business objectives, exploring opportunities for digital innovation and adopting agile ways of working.
The Data Academy is funded by the apprenticeship levy.
Diverse learning
Nicola Mallett, head of profession analytics and data science at Essex, said: “Essex County Council provides a diverse learning programme designed to help our colleagues confidently engage with data, fostering evidence based decision making at every level.
“By participating in the Data Academy through the apprenticeship levy, we are further investing in our workforce, ensuring they understand the purpose and potential of data.
“This initiative encourages responsible data use, strengthens robust data processes, and promotes collaboration with our partners. Ultimately, it enables us to leverage data insights to enhance social good and improve outcomes for communities across Essex.”
Multiverse has recently announced a similar initiative with Thurrock Council.
