Demonstrating analytical leadership

In a new blog for the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR), Dr Emma Gordon, Director of ADR UK, explores the vital role of analytical leadership and cooperation in enhancing public policy and decision making.  

Since 2018, ADR UK has worked closely with UK and devolved government to pioneer secure access to administrative data for research across the UK. This has transformed public sector datasets into valuable research assets that benefit wider society. These efforts are closely aligned with the findings in OSR's recent report, “Analytical leadership: Achieving better outcomes for citizens”, which features ADR UK in a case study on collaborating across organisations.  

Writing in response to the report, Emma discusses the essential role of collaboration between government and researchers in fostering an evidence-driven culture. She also underscores the need to demonstrate trustworthiness through meaningful public engagement, to fully unlock the potential of linked data to improve lives.  

Emma emphasises how her analytical background in both academia and government has shaped her leadership approach at ADR UK. This foundation has helped her navigate the complexities of linking data at scale. Embracing change and “continuously challenging yourself” is crucial to good leadership, she reflects.  

Overall, Emma stresses that: 

“a programme such as ADR UK only succeeds because of the quality of all of the people involved. Expertise and knowledge are enablers that help us to deliver quality in our work, which is why it is so important to be investing in analytical capability and capacity. Technology is another key enabler in us delivering value.

"For me though, trustworthiness is the magic that helps to build quality into human relationships, so that people want to work with you.” 

Read the full blog to hear more of Emma's insights.