The Data Collection and Information Sharing (DCIS) Programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information and managed by the Information Division.  The Ministry recognises the importance of being able to access accurate and current data to make sound decisions, conduct evidence based policy making and deliver public services more seamlessly. Additionally, citizens, businesses and other stakeholders of Jamaica have increasingly greater expectations of the Government.  The public expects to access government services easily, and is impatient with the bureaucratic processes, which require the provision of the same information multiple times, or visits to multiple government entities to access a single service.

 

Programme Objectives

The key strategic objectives of the programme are:

1. An approved Data Collection and Information Sharing Policy (the proposed Policy);
2. To develop an implementation strategy and Plan;
3. Build institutional capacity and train staff to undertake policy element; and
4. Established governance arrangement for Data Collection and Information Sharing across the Public Sector.

 

The proposed Policy is intended to facilitate standard collection and appropriate sharing of data and information between government entities to inform decision-making and enhance service delivery.

 

Proposed Policy Goals

The Policy will provide the framework for Public Sector entities to effectively collect and share government data and information by:

• establishing the institutional framework to govern the collection, maintenance and distribution of data and information;
• identifying the requirements for the effective collection, storage, management and retrieval of government data and information;
• establishing the governance and monitoring framework for the implementation of the Policy; and
• providing minimum standards and guidelines for:

• the collection of and proactive sharing of data and information between government entities, taking into consideration security, privacy and confidentiality of data; and
• accessing data and information through appropriate funding models where applicable.

 

Expected Policy Benefits

The expected benefits include:

• more joined-up and responsive services which can revolutionise how services are delivered in the public sector and the speed at which such services are delivered;
• improved value for money and the streamlining of services to help tackle crime and fraud and improve effectiveness in the enforcement of civil judgments, criminal court fines and breaches of community penalties;
• better targeted policy making based on evidence;
• more effective, efficient and timely planning; and
• reduced duplication and waste as a result of established mechanisms which will easily identify existing data source.