Technically, it’s a standards ambition, as in data standards, but we won’t let that get in the way of a good blog title. We at iStandUK have a vision for a Standards enabled local public sector. As part of funding we received from MHCLG, we have been asked to articulate this vision and to suggest what a standards based architecture for the UK local public sector might look like.
Last year, the iStandUK Executive Board explored what impact data standards can make on key objectives for the local public sector. We looked at the following seven key local public sector objectives and considered what the contribution from data standards could be:
- Spending less: data standards could contribute to reduced duplication, more efficient processes and automation.
- Spending better: data standards could contribute to better commissioning and drive markets for choice and innovation
- Better Services: data standards could contribute to being joined-up for the customer, to consistency of services across councils, and to continuous client records.
- Sharing Good Practice: data standards could contribute to repeatability of success and to product independence.
- Better Places: data standards could contribute to place based collaboration, to supporting devolution, and joined-up services (single view).
- Better Outcomes: data standards could contribute to early intervention, to reduction in fraud and error and to an empowered workforce.
- Better Relationship with Government: data standards could contribute to local delivery of government services, and to regulatory and statutory compliance.
Articulating the Vision
This year, the Executive Board came together to articulate the vision for a data standards-enabled UK public sector by 2029. We came up with 13 core elements, representing the foundational approaches needed to achieve interoperability, improve service delivery, and ensure citizen-centric outcomes. Each concept reflects a commitment to removing barriers, embedding best practice, and creating a unified framework for data governance and use across all levels of government. The agreed elements are not isolated initiatives—they form an integrated vision that combines technical, organizational, and cultural change:
1. Frictionless access to discoverable, defined, understandable data
This refers to creating an environment where data can be easily found, clearly described, and readily understood by both humans and machines—without unnecessary barriers or manual processes.
2. An empowered, engaged, and productive data standards governance body
This describes a formal, authoritative structure that actively drives the development, adoption, and maintenance of data standards across the UK public sector. Such a body ensures collaboration, accountability, and agility in managing standards
3. Privileged view of joined-up data
This refers to creating a secure, unified perspective of data across the public sector, enabling better decision-making and improved services while maintaining trust and transparency.
4. Data enabled services optimised for citizen-centric needs
This means designing and delivering public services that use data intelligently to meet the real needs of residents, ensuring accessibility, personalisation, and efficiency.
5. Co-designed and established architecture for cross sector collaboration
This refers to creating a shared, sustainable framework that enables seamless data sharing and collaboration across public sector organisations, particularly between local government and health services. This architecture is co-designed with stakeholders to ensure practicality, affordability, and trust.
6. Suppliers embedding standards by design
This means that technology suppliers integrate data standards into their products and services from the outset, rather than treating compliance as an afterthought. This approach ensures interoperability, consistency, and long-term sustainability across the UK public sector.
7. Collaborative procurement for better value
This refers to public sector organizations working together to commission and procure goods and services in a coordinated way, rather than acting in isolation. This approach leverages collective buying power, reduces duplication, and ensures consistency in standards and outcomes.
8. Technical standards compliance embedded in procurement
This refers to compliance with agreed technical and data standards built into procurement processes from the outset, ensuring interoperability and consistency across all technology solutions purchased by the public sector.
9. Right data skills in the right people at the right time
This concept means ensuring that the public sector workforce has the necessary digital and data capabilities to deliver on strategic goals, with skills deployed where and when they are most needed.
10, Adopted approach to interoperable standards (best practice)
This refers to the public sector consistently applying a recognised, proven framework for interoperability, ensuring that data can flow seamlessly across organisations and systems.
11. Foundations enabling parallel development of standards
This is about creating a strong, shared infrastructure and governance framework that allows multiple standards to be developed, maintained, and adopted simultaneously without duplication or conflict. This foundation ensures consistency, scalability, and interoperability across the public sector.
12. Mandated standards for the public sector
This proposes for data standards not to be optional but required across all public sector organizations, ensuring consistency, interoperability, and compliance. This approach creates a unified framework for how data is managed, shared, and used.
13. Shared evidence baseline and predictive analytics to inform decisions
This means creating a common foundation of reliable, standardized data and using advanced analytics to anticipate trends and outcomes. This approach ensures that decisions and policies are based on evidence rather than assumptions
Building on Exemplars and Looking Ahead
The work that iStandUK has been doing with the SAVVI project (Scalable Approach to Vulnerability via Interoperability) is widely recognised as an exemplar of how standards can unlock value for local public services. SAVVI demonstrates that when we adopt common approaches to data sharing and interoperability, we can tackle complex challenges (such as vulnerability identification) more effectively and ethically.
This ambition is not about creating more complexity; it’s about reducing friction. Standards give us a shared language, enabling systems to talk to each other and organisations to collaborate without reinventing the wheel. They underpin innovation, efficiency, and trust.
Our vision is for a standards-enabled local public sector where:
– Data flows securely and consistently across organisational boundaries.
– Services are designed around people and places, not silos.
– Local authorities can innovate confidently, knowing they are building on interoperable foundations.
– Government and councils work in partnership, with compliance and transparency built in.
We are already seeing this vision take shape through interoperability with initiatives like Open Referral UK (ORUK), which standardises service directory data to make it easier for people to find the help they need.
Defining iStandUK’s Role in Delivering the Vision
It’s important to recognise that iStandUK is only one part of delivering this wider vision. Achieving a standards-enabled public sector will require collaboration across local authorities, central government, suppliers, and other partners. Our role is to understand what part we play—where we lead, where we support, and how we enable others.
As we move into 2026, the Executive Board will come together to explore critical questions:
- What kind of organisation does iStandUK need to be to lead and influence this change?
- How do we balance thought leadership with practical delivery?
- What partnerships and governance structures will enable success?
A key outcome of this work will be agreeing a 2009 target operating model for iStandUK in its role as a local public sector standards body. This model will define how we organise ourselves, how we engage with stakeholders, and how we sustain the momentum needed to make standards adoption a reality.
This is an exciting and pivotal moment for iStandUK. By clarifying our role and operating model, we can ensure that the vision we’ve articulated is not just aspirational but actionable — supported by the right capabilities, resources, and collaborative approach.
Join the Conversation and Shape the Future
Delivering a standards-enabled local public sector is a shared ambition, and iStandUK is only one part of making it happen. As we define our role and agree on a target operating model for iStandUK as a local public sector standards body, we want to hear from you.
What do you think a standards-enabled future should look like? Where do you see the biggest opportunities and challenges? And how can iStandUK best support the sector in achieving this vision?
Your ideas and perspectives will help shape not just our operating model, but the collaborative approach needed to make this vision real. Get involved, share your thoughts, join our discussions, and help us build a future where data standards drive better services, better outcomes, and better places.
Email us at iStandUK@Tameside.gov.uk