How can the not-for-profit sector better use data to deliver outcomes for people and communities and build understanding and capability to use “people data” available within Australia?
The Australian social system, specifically the not-for-profit community service sector, is not fully leveraging data analytics to support individuals, families and communities. The rapid growth of data supply is being followed by increased demand but there are gaps in capability, competition from private sector and government, and limits on investment and prioritisation.
There is an opportunity to develop practical projects and solutions to use this data to achieve the broader goal of improving intergenerational welfare.
The Fellowship seeks to support data collaborations and enhancing the data community network, bringing together a range of individuals and organisations who can contribute to using data to shine a light on disadvantage and understand how people navigate the multiple systems that are intended to support them. By increasing this understanding, targeted projects can be developed to safely and appropriately use data to drive change and achieve positive outcomes and potentially, create a program of activities that support enhanced data capability.
Barry Sandison has had a long interest in the better use of data to respond to key social issues.
Prior to leaving the Australian Public Service in mid-2021, he was the CEO of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for 5 years. During his tenure as CEO Barry's priorities were sharpening the Institute’s strategic focus, growing the awareness of the Institute’s impressive capabilities, and broadening the range of health and welfare data products managed by the Institute. With over 38 years' experience in the public sector across more than 13 agencies, his expertise covers a wide range of health and welfare related work, with previous roles in both policy and service delivery.
He was a Deputy Secretary within the Australian Government Department of Human Services for 6 years, where he undertook roles in both the Centrelink and Medicare elements of the Department and provided leadership for its strategic information management function.
Barry is known across the Australian Public Service and with State/Territory agencies for his interest and leadership in data and information management. He has continued this interest and expanded it to focus on supporting the not-for-profit sector to enhance its data capabilities.
He is also on the Board of Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Advisory Council and “Raw Potential”, a small Canberra based not-for-profit providing support to vulnerable youth.
Barry is currently a Paul Ramsay Fellow at the Australian National University’s College of Health and Medicine.
