scholarly journals The ADRN and the public’s voice: making administrative data available for research while gaining public trust

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilse Verwulgen
Keyword(s):  
Administrative Data ◽  
Research Council ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Public Consultation ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Economic Research ◽  
Scientific Integrity ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Uk

ABSTRACT BackgroundThis paper presents the way the Administrative Data Research Network (ADRN) has incorporated the results of public consultation into the core of its operations and policies. Administrative data are a rich source of information, but underused in social and economic research. In the past it has been very difficult to gain access to these datasets. The ADRN is a UK-wide initiative, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) in 2013. The Network facilitates secure research access to linked, de-identified administrative data to enable real-world analysis that can benefit society. Administrative data research can provide a solid evidence base for policy makers to evaluate the results of active policies or uncover new ways to tackle social problems. ApproachUsing government data for research is still a sensitive topic for the public, and rightly so. Amidst growing concerns about privacy and data security, the use of administrative data is a potentially controversial move. At the beginning of the project, the ESRC commissioned a nation-wide public consultation to gauge understanding of social research and reactions to the use of administrative data in research. ResultsThe ADRN used the results of this consultation to incorporate mechanisms for lay participation as well as accountability towards the public into its governance, and makes a case for engaging the public without compromising the scientific integrity of the research it supports. Funded by the Economic & Social Research Council, the Administrative Data Research Network, set up as part of the UK Government’s Big Data initiative, is a UK-wide partnership between universities, government bodies, national statistics authorities and the wider research community. www.adrn.ac.uk

scholarly journals The importance of gaining the public’s confidence to use administrative data for public benefit in social science research

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilse Verwulgen ◽  
Judith Knight
Keyword(s):  
Administrative Data ◽  
Public Engagement ◽  
Research Council ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Public Consultation ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
The Uk

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Administrative Data Research Network (ADRN) is a UK-wide initiative, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The Network facilitates safe access to linked de-identified administrative data for research which is aimed at providing a benefit to our society. Administrative data research can provide wide ranging and longitudinal evidence for policy makers which therefore has the potential to improve our society. MethodRecognising the importance of public confidence and trust to the success of the ADRN, the ESRC commissioned a public consultation to gauge understanding of social research and the reactions to the use of administrative data in research. A comprehensive UK-wide communications and public engagement strategy has been developed. From this a number of initiatives been introduced over the past two years to address public concerns and these have been reviewed, revised and extended as the Network has evolved. Now to extend the Network’s reach, the Administrative Data Research Network is developing a UK National Citizens Panel (CP). The panel will provide a representation of public views on potential changes to Network policy, procedures, governance and service provision issues. The CP will also assist with testing our public facing communications such as events, website and promotional materials. ConclusionThis paper presents the previous and current public engagement initiatives that the Administrative Data Research Network has incorporated within its policies and service that enables better knowledge for a better society  Funded by the Economic & Social Research Council, the ADRN, set up as part of the UK Government’s Big Data initiative, is a UK-wide partnership between universities, government bodies, national statistics authorities and the wider research community. www.adrn.ac.uk.

scholarly journals The Administrative Data Research Network’s National Citizen’s Panel – A step towards bridging public concerns about research using administrative data.

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Knight
Keyword(s):  
Administrative Data ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Public Views ◽  
Public Concerns

ABSTRACT BackgroundThe content of administrative records are both confidential and personal, therefore the use of administrative data for research purposes is rightly and naturally of concern to us all. It is highly likely that unless public concerns can be understood, met and public confidence and support gained, that the role of research using administrative data cannot develop further. AimsAs a member of the general public you may well ask, how will this research help me? The Network enables researchers across the UK to gain access to linked de-identified administrative data to benefit society i.e. research that could change health care systems, improve the distribution of funds to needier areas or has the potential to reduce crime. MethodTo extend the Network’s reach, the Administrative Data Research Network (ADRN) in addition to a breadth of communications and public engagement activities across the UK is developing a UK National Citizens Panel (CP). The panel will provide a representation of public views on potential changes to Network policy, procedures, governance and service provision issues. The CP will also assist with testing our public facing communications, e.g. events, website and materials. ResultsThis paper would like to present the ADRN's case and scope for a Citizens Panel, the model adopted and its progress to date. Funded by the Economic & Social Research Council, the ADRN, set up as part of the UK Government’s Big Data initiative, is a UK-wide partnership between universities, government bodies, national statistics authorities and the wider research community.www.adrn.ac.uk.

scholarly journals Custodian Legal Culture - Enabling Multi-Stakeholder Research Collaborations Between Academia and Government in the UK

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stergios Aidinlis
Keyword(s):  
Data Sharing ◽  
Administrative Data ◽  
Public Interest ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Public Bodies

BackgroundEmpirical studies suggest that some public bodies in England are very reluctant to grant access to administrative data for various purposes. This poster presents the conclusions drawn in my so-far research on the driving forces of administrative discretion in respect of data sharing for social research in the public interest in England. ObjectivesThis poster aims to work towards answering a fundamental question for methodological models for engagement and research co-production between academia and government. This question is: what are the driving forces behind the exercise of data custodian discretion when it comes to deciding whether they will disclose it or not for research purposes? Methods (including data)First, this poster presents the findings of a qualitative case-study involving semi-structured interviews with individuals working for three different public bodies in England, two data providers and a body facilitating administrative data sharing for research. Second, it integrates a pilot survey which will aim to elicit the perspectives of ADR conference attendees, both admin data researchers and other stakeholders, on the crucial questions that revolve around the disclosure of data for research by different providers across the UK. FindingsI propose a distinction between structural (e.g. the law/ infrastructural decision-making models) and cultural (e.g. perceptions of data ownership / trust-distrust in data sharing collaborators) influences, claiming that the latter are more salient in steering custodian discretion to share administrative data for research in practice than the former. I identify five main candidate cultural drivers and elaborate on them. ConclusionsWithout a sound socio-legal understanding of the driving forces of discretionary legal powers to share data on behalf of the providers, building bridges between them and the academic community in the interest of promoting social research in the public interest will remain a resilient challenge.

scholarly journals Social media and sentiment in bioenergy consultation

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Uren ◽  
Daniel Wright ◽  
James Scott ◽  
Yulan He ◽  
Hassan Saif
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
New Media ◽  
Sentiment Analysis ◽  
Opinion Mining ◽  
Public Consultation ◽  
Short Paper ◽  
Consultation Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – This paper aims to address the following challenge: the push to widen participation in public consultation suggests social media as an additional mechanism through which to engage the public. Bioenergy companies need to build their capacity to communicate in these new media and to monitor the attitudes of the public and opposition organizations towards energy development projects. Design/methodology/approach – This short paper outlines the planning issues bioenergy developments face and the main methods of communication used in the public consultation process in the UK. The potential role of social media in communication with stakeholders is identified. The capacity of sentiment analysis to mine opinions from social media is summarised and illustrated using a sample of tweets containing the term “bioenergy”. Findings – Social media have the potential to improve information flows between stakeholders and developers. Sentiment analysis is a viable methodology, which bioenergy companies should be using to measure public opinion in the consultation process. Preliminary analysis shows promising results. Research limitations/implications – Analysis is preliminary and based on a small dataset. It is intended only to illustrate the potential of sentiment analysis and not to draw general conclusions about the bioenergy sector. Social implications – Social media have the potential to open access to the consultation process and help bioenergy companies to make use of waste for energy developments. Originality/value – Opinion mining, though established in marketing and political analysis, is not yet systematically applied as a planning consultation tool. This is a missed opportunity.

The ESRC Growing Older research programme, 1999–2004

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 657-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALAN WALKER
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Full Capacity ◽  
The Uk

This article introduces the seven specially commissioned papers in this special issue of Ageing & Society from the projects funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council's Growing Older Programme. The ESRC Programme has been the largest single investment in social sciences research on ageing in the United Kingdom. It comprised 24 projects and, when operating at full capacity, 96 researchers. The article details the background to the Programme, its commissioning process, its eventual structure and how it operated. Then a selection is made of some of the ways in which the Programme has contributed new knowledge to social gerontology. No attempt is made to achieve comprehensive coverage of the Programme's topics but rather a selection is presented of the new insights generated under its six themes: defining and measuring quality of life, inequalities in quality of life, technology and the built environment, healthy and active ageing, family and support networks, and participation and activities in later life. The projects were spread unevenly across these themes but important new knowledge has been produced under each theme. The conclusion emphasises the scientific contribution of the Programme and especially the extent to which older people's own attitudes, aspirations and preferences have been at the forefront, but it questions whether or not policy makers and practitioners will use this major evidence base.

scholarly journals Applying for development consent during lockdown: The Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-84
Author(s):  
Catherine Ann Caine
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power Station ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
Public Consultation ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
Power Station ◽  
Consultation Process ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Uk

The UK is currently facing unprecedented times as Covid-19 has forced the country into lockdown. However, the recent development consent application from EDF Energy for the Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station provides an opportunity for the planning sector to begin to return to normal. This opinion considers whether it is possible to achieve full public consultation on the Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station application, given the current circumstances that the UK faces due to Covid-19. It is argued that the Planning Inspectorate has not currently taken sufficient action to ensure that members of the public who do not have internet access and those who require library access to make representations are not left out of the process. It is also argued that businesses and non-governmental organisations may also struggle to make representations at a time when they are suffering from limited resources. In conclusion, it is essential that the Planning Inspectorate takes immediate action to ensure that the public consultation process is preserved for applications of this kind while Covid-19 restrictions are in place.

scholarly journals Innovative technologies for autism: critical reflections on digital bubbles

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Parsons ◽  
Nicola Yuill ◽  
Mark Brosnan ◽  
Judith Good
Keyword(s):  
Technology Use ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Short Paper ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Technologies ◽  
Seminar Series ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – There is increasing interest from researchers, teachers and other professionals, individuals with autism, and families about the potential for innovative technologies to transform learning experiences and facilitate friendships and social networks. Media accounts have highlighted both the apparently miraculous impacts of technology on supporting communication and learning for people with autism, as well as significant concerns about whether technology use is healthy, safe and socially appropriate for children and young people. Rarely, however, is any evidence reported to support either set of claims. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This short paper reports on an Economic and Social Research Council-funded seminar series in the UK that is critically reviewing and discussing the field with respect to the research evidence base but also the assumptions that are made about where, how and whether innovative technologies may be useful for people with autism and their families. Findings – The first seminar in the series focused on whether technologies create a social bubble for people with autism and presented research demonstrating that technology use can be positive, supportive and rewarding. Originality/value – This paper offers an up-to-date insight into some of key debates about the benefits and limitations of social technologies for people with autism. Its value lies in raising questions about, and discussing evidence that challenges, some of the negative assumptions that are often perpetuated by the media about the potentially harmful effects of technologies.

Crowding Out in the UK within an Optimal Control Framework

1982 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Arestis ◽  
E. Karakitsos
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Control ◽  
Fiscal Policy ◽  
Public Expenditure ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Government Expenditure ◽  
Crowding Out ◽  
Macroeconomic Model ◽  
The Public ◽  
Control Framework ◽  
The Uk

ABSTRACTAn important issue in the discussion of fiscal policy is the contention that the public sector could expand only at the expense of the private sector, which must contract to provide the necessary room. This paper is concerned with ‘financial’ crowding out, which relates to the financing of public expenditure, rather than resource crowding out, which relates to the size of public expenditure. The paper attempts to determine empirically, using the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) macroeconomic model of the UK economy, whether fiscal actions under different modes of finance affect some strategic economic variables. The paper utilises techniques of optimal control, which are considered superior to simulation. The main conclusion of the paper is that there is no significant crowding out in the NIESR model; it is, nevertheless, important to distinguish between money-financed and bond-financed increases in government expenditure.

The public consultation to the UK Climate Change Act 2008: a critical analysis

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
ADELA MACIEJEWSKI SCHEER ◽  
CORINA HÖPPNER
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Public Consultation ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Uk
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