Acas: Data and Insights Strategy
What was Acas’ challenge?
Acas, (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) is the independent, government funded body that works with employers and employees to improve workplace relationships. Through their interactions with millions of people each year they collected a huge amount of valuable data. However, they lacked a coherent data and insights strategy, which prevented them from fully utilising this data to draw out valuable insights and improve their service.
What we did
We worked closely with Acas over several months to understand their existing data infrastructure and their future data and insights requirements. Through focus groups, stakeholder interviews and online surveys, we produced an “as-is” model, laying out how data was currently collected, processed and analysed. We then modelled a ‘to-be’ world, outlining how Acas would like to use data in the future. These models considered:
- Business needs – Identifying the data and insights required to support the broader organizational strategy and business plans
- Data collection – Determining what data should be collected and how
- Data analysis – Defining the insights Acas wanted to derive from their data
- Sharing and use of insights – Ensuring data analysis is shared effectively to inform action
We then produced a visually engaging strategy document with a clear roadmap for implementation of our recommendations over the short, medium and long term. The recommendations covered three key themes:
- Culture and processes
- Data collection and analysis systems
- Production of analysis and insight
Alongside this, we provided Acas with a full detailed report, outlining the evidence behind each aspect of the strategy.
Our impact
The strategy provided Acas with a clear, prioritised plan for improving their use of data. This was backed by robust evidence, ensuring senior strategic buy-in. These changes will help Acas to ensure decision making is data-informed, improve their service delivery, streamline data processing and save time across the organisation.
