Open Data: What is it and why is it important?

We believe that open data is fuel for social change and that the voluntary and community sector can be instrumental in shaping how open data is harnessed for positive social impact.

“Data is the 21st century’s new raw material. Its value is in holding governments to account; in driving choice and improvements in public services; and in inspiring innovation and enterprise that spurs social and economic growth.”– Francis Maude MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General

At this session we’ll set out what’s happening with the move to more government open data at a national and local level. We'll also look at some practical examples such as how the Northern Ireland Assembly is opening up its data and how data journalism can make a big impact in raising important issues in the media.

Register Online

Policy, Research, Information, Communications and IT people are invited to come together to explore the potential that open data can have in supporting voluntary and community sector activity and transforming how public policy is developed.

Speakers include:

Michael Cochrane, NI Assembly 

Michael has been instrumental in opening up the NI Assembly Data and will give an outline of what's on offer and how it can be used to gain deeper insight into assembly business.

Kathryn Torney, The Detail

Kathryn is an award winning journalist who is at the forefront of data journalism in Northern Ireland.  Kathryn will describe how she uses open data to inform stories.