Sir Andrew Dilnot has been appointed chair of the Government’s Geospatial Commission.
The appointment has been confirmed by Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster David Lidington, along with that of Nigel Clifford as deputy chair. Both have taken up the roles for three years.
Dilnot (pictured) has a background in public services data, having been chair of the UK Statistics Authority – which oversees the Office for National Statistics – from 2012-16. Before that he spent three years as chair of the Statistics User Forum.
Lidington commented: “Andrew’s experience throughout his career has centred on the application of data to help understand and improve the UK economy, society and environment. His passion for public service will help drive forward the UK’s geospatial agenda.”
Clifford was chief executive of national mapping agency Ordnance Survey from 2015-18 and has held senior roles at Cable & Wireless and BT Group.
A team of commissioners with expertise in selected areas is also being recruited.
Unlocking data
The Geospatial Commission was set up within the Cabinet Office earlier this year, backed with £80 million over two years, to promote the unlocking of geospatial data to support the economy and public services.
Its chief executive, William Priest, recently told UKAuthority that major steps for next year will include a review of how to develop the geospatial technology sector and the development of the action plan and strategy. This will come with a focus on how to obtain the value to the economy in five vertical markets: infrastructure and construction, telecommunications, natural resources, forestry and farming, and retail and logistics.
