Digital strategy for Scotland: sustainable digital public services - delivery plan 2025-2028

3. Data

Public sector data is a national asset and a key enabler of reform; every transaction in the public sector generates data and insights that can be used to develop services that are more targeted, personalised, and preventative. Central to this is the vision for public sector data in Scotland, which sets a collective narrative and common direction for how data can drive innovation and meaningful change.

Making better use of public sector data is not merely a technical issue, but a strategic one, requiring cultural change and investment in skills. Efforts are already underway to enhance data sharing and management, as well as fostering data literacy in the public sector workforce to better drive innovation, especially in areas such as AI and emerging technologies.

Initiatives such as the development of a public sector data exchange and investments in geospatial datasets like Earth Observation (EO) and LiDAR are unlocking insights, supporting collaboration, and building a stronger data ecosystem which will support sustainable digital transformation across Scotland’s public sector.

Summary of deliverables 2025-2028

To be delivered jointly

3.1 Collective leadership for data sharing

To be delivered by the Scottish Government

3.2 Building the maturity of data sharing

3.3 Sharing EO data

To be delivered by Local Government

3.4 Data interoperability in Local Government

3.5 Information governance in Local Government

3.6 Streamlining Local Government data return

3. Data: deliverables

Joint deliverables

3.1 Collective leadership for data sharing

By 2028, the Scottish Government and Local Government will deliver a more coordinated approach to data across the public sector. The key vehicle to support this will be a joint Local Government and the Scottish Government group that will align priorities, share tools and standards, and demonstrate how data can be used to improve public services.

As we work to deliver this, you can expect to see:

• clear evidence of alignment with national digital priorities
• regular reporting of progress, impact, and lessons learned on individual deliverables
• adoption of shared tools, standards and approaches to data sharing, and on EO data
• identification and delivery of joint data projects that improve service outcomes
• increased data skills and capability across public sector teams

Sponsor: Tom Wilkinson (Chief Data Officer, Scottish Government) and Martyn Wallace (Chief Digital Officer, Digital Office for Scottish Local Government)

Scottish Government deliverables

The following are part of ‘Scotland’s Public Service Reform Strategy – Delivering for Scotland (June 2025)’:

3.2 Building the maturity of data sharing

By 2028, the Scottish Government will make it easier to find data across the public sector via smart data cataloguing. We will do this by providing smart tools to map, find, and use trusted public sector data. We will ensure that ease of access to data does not compromise security, by developing simple and secure tools that allow pairs of organisations to safely share and reuse each other’s data, supported by the adoption of data standards that enable seamless data exchange and integration. We will also build capability and confidence in data improvement by delivering two cohorts of public sector organisations through our Data Maturity Programme.

As we work to deliver this, you can expect to see:

• public sector users consistently discovering and accessing trusted public sector datasets using smart catalogue tools, enabled by common approaches that support Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) data
• an improved understanding of data sharing needs with organisations successfully exchanging data through secure and simple tools
• delivery of two cohorts of the Data Maturity Programme with organisations demonstrating data improvements by 2028

Sponsor: Tom Wilkinson (Chief Data Officer, Scottish Government)

3.3 Sharing EO data

By 2028, the Scottish Government will ensure nationwide EO data can be accessed across the public sector. To enable this, complete nationwide LiDAR capture will occur by 2027, and we will launch a new dissemination platform to host and share EO data. We will release a suite of analysis-ready EO data products specifically tailored to Scottish public sector user needs - such as landcover mapping, flood risk maps, and urban planning layers. This data has the capability to be used to reduce the requirement to visually inspect the natural and built environment, reducing costs while supporting informed decision making. We will increase the awareness of the value EO data can bring, by encouraging organisations to strengthen their workforce’s Geographic Information System (GIS) and data skills.

As we work to deliver this, you can expect to see:

• nationwide EO data access through dissemination of the national LiDAR and satellite data to public sector users by 2028
• refined Geospatial Products with at least three user-driven EO products that are actively used in public sector decision-making
• skills and capacity building strengthened through the provision of GIS and EO data training and awareness initiatives to Scottish Public Sector staff

Sponsor: Tom Wilkinson (Chief Data Officer, Scottish Government)

Local Government deliverables

3.4 Data interoperability in Local Government

By 2028, Local Government will further increase the sharing of common back-office solutions, building on the success of the shared telecare Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) platform. This solution already provides consistent and efficient telecare support for vulnerable citizens, while reducing technology overhead and duplication among councils. Comprehensive feasibility studies and business cases will be conducted to evaluate shared digital approaches for housing, fleet management, social work case management, security operations, and licensing. These initiatives are designed to encourage broader adoption of digital solutions that deliver tangible benefits to both councils and the communities they serve.

As we work to deliver this, you can expect to see:

• councils successfully transitioning to the shared telecare ARC platform
• the development and use of common digital architecture across Local Government
• clear documentation of operational savings and service improvements
• publication of feasibility study findings, business cases, and recommendations
• launch of pilot projects in partnership with councils
• ongoing engagement and consultation with stakeholders on shared solutions

Senior Responsible Officer: Colin Birchenall (Chief Technology Officer, Digital Office for Scottish Local Government)

3.5 Information governance in Local Government

By 2028, Local Government will work collaboratively with partners to establish a consistent and coordinated approach to information governance across Local Government, with health and care serving as an initial catalyst for change. The primary focus is on supporting all areas of Local Government to develop robust frameworks and policies that ensure high standards of data integrity, security, and regulatory compliance. This unified approach will underpin more effective and efficient public services, laying the foundation for a resilient and innovative digital ecosystem across Scotland’s Local Government sector. It enables easier data sharing and collaboration, reduces inconsistencies and duplication, and ensures all councils meet the same standards for security and compliance. This collective approach also streamlines processes, saves time and resources, and builds greater public trust through clear and consistent handling of information sector wide.

As we work to deliver this, you can expect to see:

• standardised procedures, templates, and clear governance frameworks that will ensure consistent adoption and maintenance of data standards across Local Authorities, promoting transparency and accountability.

Senior Responsible Officer: Martyn Wallace (Chief Digital Officer, Digital Office for Scottish Local Government)

3.6 Streamlining Local Government data returns

By 2028, Local Government will have worked in partnership with statutory bodies and the Scottish Government to enhance the management and coordination of data returns for statistical analysis. This collaboration will focus on establishing streamlined, standardised processes for submitting data, ensuring greater accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with regulatory requirements. By working together, Local Government and statutory bodies will reduce duplication, minimise administrative burden, and improve the quality and accessibility of data for informed decision-making. This coordinated approach will support more effective public service delivery and foster a data driven culture across Scotland’s Local Government sector.

As we work to deliver this, you can expect to see:

• leveraging of prior research to employ digital and data tools that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of compiling the Local Government Benchmarking Framework. This will enable Scottish councils to effectively measure and compare service performance
• unified data return protocols, with regular reporting against agreed standards, fewer instances of data errors or delays, and clear evidence of improved data-driven insights to support policy and service improvements

Sponsor: Jane O’Donnell (Chief Executive, COSLA, Kenneth Lowrie, Chief Executive, Falkirk Council)

Senior Responsible Officers: Martyn Wallace (Chief Digital Officer, Digital Office for Scottish Local Government)

What does delivery mean for people in Scotland?

By strengthening data sharing across the public sector, people can expect to provide their details once, making it quicker and easier to access digital public services. With stronger frameworks governing how data is used and shared, citizens can be assured that the public sector is working both ethically and efficiently, to design and deliver the services they need.