Open Data Manchester works across a diverse range of sectors, collaborating with public sector bodies, businesses, charities, community organisations, and anyone else interested in using data for good.
We bridge the gap between the technical and social aspects of data and its use, exploring how people relate to technical systems and how these systems are often designed and implemented in suboptimal ways, creating inefficiencies and real-world impacts. Our mission is to address these challenges, creating more effective and equitable data-driven solutions for all.
As a not-for-profit, our position allows us to conduct both grant-funded work and commercial projects, with all profits from our commercial endeavours reinvested to fund our core community initiatives.
Our approach
Our work is characterised by:
- A multidisciplinary team: Our experts combine skills in project management, user research, data governance, technical assessments, and policy development.
- A community-driven approach: Our work is informed by a diverse community of practitioners, ensuring we stay ahead of emerging trends and best practices.
- An ethical and inclusive mindset: We prioritise ethical and inclusive data practices, addressing potential equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) impacts and promoting responsible data use.
- A proven track record: We have successfully delivered projects for academic institutions, government bodies, international organisations, and businesses across various sectors.
Our commercial work not only provides professional services to organisations but also supports our community initiatives, allowing us to offer free consultations, run educational events, and engage in important research and development projects.
What we do
We offer a range of services to help organisations across all sectors harness the power of data responsibly:
- Data Strategy Development: We help organisations develop comprehensive data strategies aligned with their goals, using techniques like stakeholder mapping and data ecosystem mapping.
- User Research and Consultation: Through workshops, interviews, and tailored engagements, we uncover user needs and experiences related to data systems and services.
- Data Governance and Assessment: We conduct data maturity assessments, evaluate data infrastructures, and establish robust data governance frameworks.
- Inclusive Data Practices: We identify and address potential EDIA impacts in data-driven systems.
- Training and Capability Building: We offer programmes to upskill teams in responsible data practices, open standards, and data collaboration.
- Advice and Advocacy: We work with local authorities and other organisations on data usage, offering guidance through initiatives like our free Open:Data:Surgery sessions.
- Research and Development: We participate in diverse commissioned projects, including developing open data standards and data governance processes.
- Events and Community Engagement: We run regular events to raise awareness about data initiatives and foster community involvement.
Our Impact
Our projects, developed over many years and shaped by community involvement, tackle some of data’s biggest challenges. We’ve worked on initiatives ranging from open data consultations for city governments to developing data standards for waste management.
The impact of our work is far-reaching:
- We build a commitment to intelligent and responsible data use among organisations, professionals, and activists.
- We develop understanding and skills in the communities we serve.
- We ensure everyone can be involved in decisions being made using data about them.
For more detailed information about our projects and history, please visit our Projects and History pages.
Work With Us
Interested in how Open Data Manchester might help you? Get in touch for a friendly chat about collaboration opportunities, our services, or how you can get involved in our community initiatives.
