Unscheduled Data Requests
The information authority is working in partnership with the
LSC to address unscheduled data requests being made by the LSC that duplicate data already supplied (including via ILR collections).
If you would like the information authority to review an unscheduled learner data request, please email cst@theia.org.uk with the following information (this may simply be a case of forwarding on the original data request):
- Source of the data request, i.e. which organisation is requesting the data
- Description of data requested - attach any suggested format
- Date request recieved
- Level of notice provided
- Time/ resource required for the data requested, i.e. where else could information be obtained from?
- Is there any indication that this request may become regular?
Alternatively, you can fill out our online form and send this to cst@theia.org.uk.
How the information authority will handle these requests:
- On receipt, all reports will be anonymised
- Relevant provider groups will be consulted to confirm if the request should be reviewed and challenged
- Assuming that other providers agree that the challenge is necessary, the information authority will liaise with the relevant organisations, including the organisation requesting the information and the Data Service, to discuss how best to meet the data need
- If the data need cannot be be met by existing data collection arrangements, the data requester will be asked to submit a formal request for a new data collection to the information authority board (details on how to do this can be found below)
- The outcome will then be communicated back to the providers.
Case study
In 2008, several learning providers contacted the information authority to point out that some data requests from Authorised Validating Agencies (AVAs) could be met using ILT data. The request was put through the process outlined above and, as a result, it is expected that the Data Service will handle these requests in 2009.
If you are a data user and your needs are not being met by existing data collections, the information authority has a process for you to request a new data collection in the further education and training system. The process is detailed in the document below:
Guidance on Requesting a New Data Collection (97Kb)
