Sam Milsom shares how Open Data Manchester has developed over ten years and during the lockdown, while Julia Kasmire from the UK Data Service shares the contribution the Service made to ODM’s Pick N Mix workshops.
Open Data Manchester is a not-for-profit that began in 2010 when diverse open data advocates decided to support those looking to release and use data, ranging from charities, local netherlands rcs data authorities, businesses as well as freelancers and data hobbyist individuals.
Ten years later, Open Data Manchester now boasts diverse members who are eager to both teach and learn through meetups, workshops and training sessions. Experienced data scientists are keen to share their knowledge and skills, as well as to “talk data” with like-minded people. At the same time, less experienced members, some who are completely new to data sciences, sometimes come with specific questions to answer or problems to solve but may also come just because they love to learn new things!
Reflecting the varied data needs in Greater Manchester and beyond, our programme includes:
Data For Communities started as a ‘spreadsheet-less’ workshop delivered in community spaces to fill knowledge gaps in how data contributes to the policies that affect our lives – from crime statistics to employment rates. Later, Data For Communities became a toolkit to help people and organisations understand data and take action.