GMHP launches new cross-partnership Data Management Framework

Greater Manchester Housing Providers has launched an inaugural Data Management Framework to develop best practice in the sector and help housing associations in Greater Manchester and beyond deliver the seamless, consistent and tailored services our customers deserve.

Our Framework seeks to address one of the central and collective challenges the sector faces – that we are often data rich and insight poor – and sets out the steps we can take to tackle that challenge through stronger data governance, greater accountability, a firmer grip on our architecture, and a commitment from everyone to a higher set of standards.

Using our collective experiences, learnings, and current case studies, we have identified three pivotal steps GMHP – and other providers in the sector – can adopt to harness existing data effectively:

1. Define and assign clear responsibilities: Outlining the relationships between different data roles and ensure that each party has clearer responsibilities over their data elements.
2. Streamline for sharper insights: Design pathways for streamlining data management approaches to create sharper insights that deliver more efficient decision making.
3. Embed accountability into new ventures: Build accountability and ownership for data quality and standards into new projects and services from the outset.

Jovian Smalley, Information Governance Manager at WCHG, said: “Only after taking these steps will our businesses, customers, and communities reap the numerous benefits of good data management. Big tech realised this many years ago and, as a result, have experienced the network effects that come with delivering excellent customer service every time. We need this scale of ambition in the housing sector.

“Poor data management is one of social housing’s greatest threats, as highlighted in the Ombudsman’s recent spotlight report. Our customers rightly expect more than the status quo. There is a real opportunity to turn this picture around for the benefit of our customers and communities, and the time to grasp that opportunity is now.”

GMHP’s Data Management Framework was developed in partnership by nine housing providers in the region: Bolton at Home, ForHousing, Great Places, Johnnie Johnson Housing, One Manchester, Peaks & Plains Housing Trust, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Stockport Homes Group, and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group.