Oakland Everything Data is working with the University of Leeds on a long-term programme to overhaul how data is managed and used across the institution, spanning student services, teaching, research and health-related work.
The collaboration focuses on mapping the university’s data landscape, strengthening governance and embedding data into academic and operational decision-making. The work aligns data activity with the university’s broader organisational and academic strategy.
Leeds has spent the past two years building a centralised enterprise data platform. It has also created a series of data products that support areas such as student experience, research activity and health data projects.
Oakland is advising on the balance between people, process and technology as Leeds moves into the next phase of its digital transformation. The consultancy is also supporting the university’s data literacy plans among staff and students.
Student focus
Cathy Arnold, Head of Data Services at the University of Leeds, said the work with Oakland had concentrated first on understanding the flow and quality of key information across the campus.
“Oakland has supported us with mapping our current student and curriculum data landscapes and helping us prioritise work to improve how we manage and use data to enhance insight and analysis of the student experience,” said Cathy Arnold, Head of Data Services, University of Leeds.
Leeds has used a series of “lighthouse” projects as a way to test approaches before wider rollout. These pilots have focused on creating consistent methods for building and deploying data products.
“Through our lighthouse projects, we have been able to develop repeatable patterns for data products, making the rollout of new and innovative solutions more efficient as we build up our catalogue,” said Arnold.
The university’s data strategy covers intellectual, operational, digital and physical assets. It sets out how these assets are organised around a digitally literate and collaborative community and links data work to academic ambitions and long-term societal impact.
Governance and literacy
Oakland’s engagement includes work on data strategy, governance and modelling. This includes initiatives aimed at improving how data is defined, owned and shared across faculties and professional services.
Leeds is also placing emphasis on data literacy. This includes efforts that aim to increase the confidence of staff in working with data in teaching, administration and research support.
Oakland is assisting as Leeds develops what it describes as a “single version of the student”. This involves bringing together data from multiple systems so that information about student journeys and outcomes is consistent and can support analysis.
Libby Ploughman, Data Consultant at Oakland, said the two organisations had worked closely on the design and delivery of this approach.
“We’re so proud to be working with the University of Leeds on their data strategy, governance, and modelling, helping them to create ‘a single version of the student’ that delivers trusted insights to shape student success. Our close partnership, strengthened by our shared roots in Leeds, has enabled genuine collaboration. The University has also been a key supporter of The Data Crowd, helping to cement Leeds’s position as a leader in digital and data innovation,” said Ploughman.
Next phase
The work on the enterprise data platform and initial data products gives Leeds a base for further projects in areas such as student support, research management and health collaborations.
The university is preparing for the next stage of its digital transformation. It plans further development of its data product catalogue and continued work on governance and literacy across its Leeds community.