• Home
  • News
  • Features
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Digital Archive
    • Advertise
      • About Us
      • 2021 Media Pack
      • Features
  • Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us

PSBNews

Banner
  • Home
  • News
  • Features
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Digital Archive
    • Advertise
      • About Us
      • 2021 Media Pack
      • Features
  • Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us

Addressing COVID-19 in socially deprived communities needs to be driven by facts, not speculation

by Francesca June 19, 2020June 19, 2020
written by Francesca June 19, 2020June 19, 2020
Addressing COVID-19 in socially deprived communities needs to be driven by facts, not speculation

Leveraging data analytics within local authorities will help to identify individuals within a community who are most at risk from coronavirus

Throughout the crisis, organisations across the globe have been forced to operate with their hands tied behind their back. Contracts have been significantly scaled back or terminated, supply chains will have been disrupted and workforces have been trimmed. In light of this, having access to accurate data has never been more critical and for many it has acted as the differentiator between success and failure. As lockdown measures begin to ease and some industries report the first green shoots of recovery, having access to that same accurate data will be equally critical. The public sector is no exception.

A local approach to tackling a crisis

The public sector is under intense pressure to enhance services, improve outcomes and step up efficiencies, despite significant resource constraints and the unique complexities and volatilities surrounding COVID-19. 

Accurate data is critical to provide valuable insights when supporting communities, particularly as lockdown measures begin easing and people start moving more freely. This has led to many public sector departments and local authorities accelerating their digital transformation efforts. Historically, digital transformation within the public sector could be a slow and laborious process, but like most things stemming from coronavirus, the typical playbooks have been ripped up. Digital implementations, which would have previously taken months and even years to come to fruition, are now being deployed in weeks and some cases days and hours.

Initial digital transformation efforts were deployed to help protect against human, social and economic loss, but having moved past the peak, local authorities are now looking at their wider digital infrastructure, in order to make long-term changes, supporting what is now coined as the ‘new normal’.  

Critically, one of the biggest digital enhancements will be the uptake of data visualisation and projection models, leveraged through data analytics. Data scientists require access to large data sets to track the disease, which will continue to guide us through the easing of lockdown. Looking further, we can also expect greater uptake of data analytics at a local level to track the movement of the virus within communities. This is important as it will enable us to understand which individuals are most vulnerable.

Responding to the facts

Assumptions over facts at a time of hypersensitivity can cause panic within communities. To remove the risk of such scenarios materialising, the importance of leveraging accurate data is critical. As an example, data from the ONS recently revealed blue-collar workers could be at significant risk from COVID-19 in England and Wales, particularly in the most deprived areas. In the current climate, statements such as this can become easily manipulated, leading to widespread fear.

Through data analytics, data modelling and visualisation platforms allow data scientists to understand the specifics of what makes a particular person more vulnerable over another. In practice, this could examine correlations existing between different cohorts of society –based on ethnicity, occupation, age, location density, family size or income – to understand the most exposed, particularly amongst areas with high levels of social deprivation.

Adopting this approach and integrating this data into your decision-making processes, means conversations become driven by fact, not speculation. It removes unnecessary scaremongering, providing greater clarity to local authorities on where resources need to be deployed in order to keep those at most risk within the community, safe.

Into the great unknown

The use of data analytics is just one example where digital services will play a key role in supporting local authorities as we enter the next phase and beyond. Previously, it might have been the case that for every digital solution deployed within the public sector there was a non-digital equivalent, but this is unlikely to continue as we move towards a digitalised future. 

Cloud technologies, with the ability to support an increasingly remote workforce will become the new norm. Additionally, use of data analytics and modelling will be leveraged to track the movement of the virus throughout communities. The data retrieved will help to drive improved operational efficiencies leading to quicker and more informed decision making. In doing so, this will enable teams and departments to understand where care and support needs to be prioritised.

0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
Francesca

previous post
Surface Design Awards announce judging panel for 2021
next post
New affordable homes to be built in Shaftesbury

Related Articles

VELUX announces £7million expansion in Fife

November 13, 2018

British Safety Council calls on employers to safeguard...

October 9, 2019

National housing chief praises Greater Manchester’s strong partnerships

February 1, 2019

Therme Group Announces Plans for Wellbeing Resorts Across...

August 3, 2020

Chance to share views on Greater Manchester’s proposals...

May 15, 2019

Council cash opens doors for local community

January 28, 2020

Housing association invites community to support new volunteer...

February 24, 2020

Housebuilder shows support to Newark hospice

July 27, 2020

CPD Accredited Seminar Programme

August 23, 2019

Young family returns to home village thanks to...

February 12, 2019

Latest Issue

Media Partners

Twitter Feed

Tweets by @PSBN_Social


 

Popular Posts

  • 1

    Braeburn Estates hands over innovative social housing scheme to Homes for Lambeth – with “game changing” new development model

    January 21, 2019
  • 2

    The 2019 Surface Design Show focus: Workplace and Public Realm

    December 2, 2018
  • 3

    Understanding the current state of the student accommodation market

    April 15, 2019
  • 4

    Skanska completes Royal Papworth Hospital construction

    April 30, 2019
  • 5

    500 Cornish-type housing association homes get high-performance insulation in Herefordshire

    February 5, 2019

Categories

  • Case Studies
  • Education
  • Features
  • Hospitals + Healthcare
  • Housing
  • Infrastructure
  • Latest News
  • News
  • Products
  • Project News
  • Uncategorized
  • Videos

Recent Posts

  • Wareing Buildings completes on latest commercial scheme with Henco International

    January 11, 2021
  • New homes given the green light at former engineering site in Shirley

    January 11, 2021
  • First Build Ayrshire programme will guide local construction-related businesses on how to win more new, high-value work from Tier 1 contractors

    January 11, 2021
  • Biggleswade secondary school installs Ventive’s natural ventilation system with heat recovery

    January 11, 2021
  • Linden Homes to submit plans for 258 new homes in Ely

    January 11, 2021

About Public Sector Building News

 

Public Sector Building News is a monthly leading trade publication that is valued within the industry.

The magazine works as an effective marketing tool for our clients, being seen by key decision makers leads to valued work within the lucrative public sector building industry.

Every issue of Public Sector Building News provides an update of news, current and upcoming projects, industry comment, interviews, articles, features and product information – covering all areas of importance to our readers.

Other Publications

Architect Projects
Construction UK Magazine
Luxury Hospitality Magazine
Luxury Interiors Magazine
Refurb Renovation News
Restaurant Industry Magazine

Editor’s Picks

  • Wareing Buildings completes on latest commercial scheme with Henco International

    January 11, 2021
  • New homes given the green light at former engineering site in Shirley

    January 11, 2021
  • First Build Ayrshire programme will guide local construction-related businesses on how to win more new, high-value work from Tier 1 contractors

    January 11, 2021

Published by Lapthorn Media LTD

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.