Your persona
Your responses indicate you've got a good grounding in data. You're already using data in your work, and that's great! But there's always more to learn.
Perhaps using data is 'business as usual' in your role, or maybe it's an area you're interested in pursuing. You might be looking for strategies to build on your existing abilities to become even more comfortable with data. You're in a fantastic position to reflect on where expanding your data competencies will be most impactful.
Build your skills and knowledge
Create a checklist summarising what constitutes 'good quality data' and use it in your work.
Question Data Sources: When working with data, question the sources and methods used for data collection. Be critical of data that may be biased or unethical.
Practise simple data visualisations (e.g. bar charts, pie charts) using available tools (e.g. Excel or GoogleSheets). Take it one step further, and work on some insights. Could you find a more experienced colleague to share with for feedback?
Keep up to date with your department's data protection policies and set a regular calendar reminder to review updates and changes.
Familiarise yourself with your department's procedure for data breaches or risks. Do you know what to do to work safely or report any errors or concerns?
Share this assessment with your line manager. Discuss your outcomes and strategise which priorities might align with your departmental objectives.
Carve out time for professional development. Diarise a chunk of time each week where you can take an Apolitical course, explore community articles, or anything else that aligns with your motivations.
Create a community of practice
Identify instances where data-informed decisions have led to positive outcomes in your workplace. Who could you connect with and learn from? Are there any data-led projects ongoing that you could participate in?
The Apolitical community is full of discussion around best practices in using data. Community members regularly post questions and ask for advice in this area. This kind of social learning is a fantastic opportunity to learn from and with others and find out what people in roles similar to yours are doing in the public sector across the world. You could post your own question, or if you see a topic you feel well-positioned to feed into, you could take the opportunity to respond and support others. Here’s one to get you started: How can data be integrated into storytelling practices?
Keep exploring
Apolitical regularly hosts events — keep an eye on what’s upcoming, and catch up on recordings to learn at a time that suits you. How to master data literacy in the public service is a good place to start.
Apolitical articles cover a breadth of data subtopics. Take some time to explore what's out there, and consider engaging with the article creator by using the comment function. Here's a link to our Open Data Series to start you off.
If you’re looking for inspiration for structured skill development, take a look at our Learning Plans where we have stitched together disparate educational resources into rich, diverse, cohesive and enlightening learning journeys which can have a transformative impact on both our professional and personal lives.
What's next?
Not sure if this is the right persona for you? This diagnostic and its suggested outcome have been designed for illustrative purposes and may not reflect your level of awareness or competency.
Find a guide to the statements covered plus the scenario questions here: Data Self-Assessment and Scenario Summaries.
Explore the other personae using the links below:
Leadership: Data Explorer, Data Consolidator, or Data Trailblazer
Non-leadership:Data Explorer, Data Consolidator, or Data Trailblazer
⬅️ Government Skills Impact Tracker | Digital and Data Skills Hub ➡️