Much has been promised about data’s potential to help local government and public sector bodies deliver more and better with less, predict and prevent problems, and even make a success of city devolution. But what’s the truth behind it, and what more can be done to support it?

On 17 May, the innovation foundation Nesta is hosting a conference on “City Data Analytics: the art of the possible”.

Representatives from nine areas, including the GLA’s Andrew Collinge, will share their experiences of using data analytics to tackle local challenges. Case studies will cover how data is being applied to address issues such as rogue landlords, alcohol harms, modern slavery, protecting vulnerable children, and problem gambling, to name a few.

Following a networking lunch, local government and public sector staff who are working on, or interested in starting, their own data initiatives are invited to stay on for the afternoon take part in three workshops. These will explore how to work effectively with data scientists, design and run meaningful evaluations; and navigate the complexities of data sharing.

Registration opens at 9:30am, with the event starting promptly at 10am. The networking lunch will be held at 12:30pm, with afternoon workshops running between 1:30pm and 4:30pm.

For more details and to register your interest, visit: http://www.nesta.org.uk/event/city-data-analytics-art-possible