Information Commissioner’s Office: Responsible Data Strategy
Challenge:
The ICO needed a robust data strategy to support its ICO25 business plan and set a public sector benchmark for responsible data use. With low data maturity and a culture of risk aversion, they required a clear roadmap to improve capability, governance, and transparency.
Solution:
Oakland delivered a tailored data maturity assessment using the government’s DMAG framework, engaging over 180 staff across departments. This informed the development of a strategic vision, guiding principles, and a practical roadmap aligned to business priorities.
Impact:
The ICO now has a published data strategy backed by measurable KPIs, a clear operating model, and a scalable plan for future development. Early value is being realised through lighthouse projects, with improved confidence in data-led decision-making and innovation.
The data strategy is a hugely important piece of work that will put our own use of data at the heart of how we operate and transform as a regulator. It was important to see external views, and we teamed up with an experienced team at Oakland to deliver this milestone project.
Rob Holtom
Executive Director of Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) ICO