Introducing the SAVVI Project with GMCA on Data Mesh and Supporting Families

By Andrew Humphreys, Published 01 August 2022

Introduction - The SAVVI Project and it’s phase 3 deliverables

The

phase 3 SAVVI project⁠

with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) focuses on the delivery of the Supporting Families Programme by three local authorities in Greater Manchester in the context of a technical development programme that will enable the adoption of a data mesh approach across the Greater Manchester geography. The project is a fantastic opportunity to test the SAVVI approach and standards in the context of a complex vulnerability theme and an ambitious technical infrastructure development programme.

GMCA - Data Mesh and Supporting Families

⁠

The Data Accelerator project ⁠

is improving information infrastructure across GMCA and three local authorities in Greater Manchester to enable the adoption of a data mesh approach by the region. A data mesh is an innovative approach to using shared data in a number of federated datasets via interoperable standards and messaging protocols where shared data remains in local stores but is supplied as accessible data products via a "data dictionary" which includes all the permissions and controls required for using shared data.

The Data Accelerator project is starting with two use cases for the supporting families programme: creating a family view of needs, services and other vulnerability attributes, and improving analysis and insight from supporting families programme delivery. Both of these use-cases align to aspects of the SAVVI process.

Why the SAVVI Approach for GMCA

GMCA chose to adopt the SAVVI approach and standards as there is a significant overlap with the data mesh approach. The SAVVI process and standards have been developed explicitly for interoperability, hence the ‘I’ in SAVVI, but are flexible enough to be applied to any vulnerability theme and its related services, hence the ‘S’ for scalable. Developing a data mesh is a technical approach to scalability and interoperability when using shared data so the SAVVI process and standards will help GMCA and its partners adopt the data mesh approach beyond the initial use cases and geographical scope.

What GMCA are saying

“We chose to adopt the SAVVI approach and standards because they have been designed for interoperability and scalability and because we want to support the evolution of SAVVI as it incorporates good practice from around the country. SAVVI aligns well with our priority to enable effective delivery of the Supported Families programme by taking a data mesh approach across Greater Manchester. Improving how we use shared data has the potential for us to enhance how we deliver integrated support to families who need it and at the right time, which is a vital part of our work as public services.

We are looking forward to involving the SAVVI engagement team in developing a great foundation for the Greater Manchester data mesh and look forward to seeing the learning that comes out of their engagement with us." - Jane Forrest - Director Public Service Reform, Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The future of the partnership/ What we expect to achieve

The aim of the SAVVI/GMCA partnership during phase 3 is to help GMCA align its implementation of the data mesh approach with the SAVVI approach and standards for the purpose of its future expansion to include more local authorities in Greater Manchester and more vulnerability themes, beyond the Supporting Families programme. The SAVVI engagement team will also work with GMCA to express their implementation of the SAVVI approach and standards in ways that can be shared through the SAVVI catalogue, a case study and other documentation to enable adoption by other local authorities as well as capturing learning that will help ensure SAVVI is ready for broad deployment.

Find out more:

We work in the open and welcome your interest in SAVVI. If you are interested in keeping up with SAVVI projects please sign up to the

SAVVI mailing list⁠

, follow us on

social media⁠

, and find out

how to get involved⁠