Listen now to ADR UK’s new podcast, Connecting Society
Categories: Data linkage programmes, Research using linked data, Public engagement, ADR UK Partnership
21 November 2024
ADR UK is delighted to announce the launch of a new podcast, “Connecting Society: How everyday data shapes our lives”, with the first episode available on major streaming platforms including Spotify. This podcast aims to bring the world of administrative data to life, demonstrate transparency and trustworthiness, and provide a better understanding of how data can serve the public good.
Hosted by Mark Green, Professor of Health Geography at the University of Liverpool and ADR UK Ambassador, and Shayda Kashef, Senior Public Engagement Manager at ADR UK, Connecting Society makes complex topics around administrative data research accessible and engaging. Through conversations with experts from government, academic, voluntary and community organisations, and the public, the series will illustrate how linked administrative data can deliver real-world benefits.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding and enjoyable to demystify administrative data and share its value with listeners. Our aspiration has been to guide discussions that are as entertaining as they are informative.” – Mark Green, Professor of Health Geography at the University of Liverpool and ADR UK Ambassador
Series One: Setting the scene
The first six-episode series lays the groundwork by examining the potential of administrative data, and how it is collected, safeguarded, and used for public good:
- 1. To change the outcomes, change the system: Why ADR UK was established and our vision for administrative data research now.
- 2 – 4. The potential of administrative data: Exploring how government departments and public bodies collect administrative data in different sectors and how using this data for research can drive change. Mark and Shayda speak to the Ministry of Justice, Nursing and Midwifery Council and Welsh Government.
- 5. Public engagement and co-production in administrative data research: A case study on inclusive research methods, which prioritise the needs and rights of those most affected by data research.
- 6. Data ethics and responsibility: How legal frameworks and public engagement efforts work together to ensure data is used securely and ethically for the public good.
A second series is under consideration, focusing on researchers’ insights and the tangible outcomes of administrative data research.
“Podcasts are a vital new route for us to connect with the public. Research using administrative data is really useful to inform public debate about our society, across the UK. It was a pleasure to take part in the first episode of Connecting Society and tell the story of why ADR UK was created, the progress we’ve made, and the opportunities ahead.” - Dr Emma Gordon, Director of ADR UK
Why have we launched Connecting Society?
Building on a pilot podcast by ADR Scotland - known as DataPod - Connecting Society responds directly to public feedback gathered through the ADR UK and Office for Statistics Regulation public dialogue in 2022, which highlighted the need for proactive, clear, and accessible communication about how data informs decision making. Continuous feedback from the ADR England Public Insights Panel has helped shape the podcast’s structure, schedule, content, name, and tagline, helping the series address relatable, timely topics in plain language.
“Without public engagement, Connecting Society wouldn’t exist. By taking stock of people’s interests and needs, we’ve designed a podcast that’s accessible and compelling, with relevant topics that hopefully resonate across communities.” – Shayda Kashef, Senior Public Engagement Manager at ADR UK
Share and listen
We invite you to listen, learn, and share Connecting Society with your friends, families, and networks.
