PCD 1618 Pan-London Information Governance Lead

PCD 1618 Pan-London Information Governance Lead

In June 2022, MOPAC agreed to jointly fund the Pan London Information Governance Lead alongside London Office of Technology and Innovation and Metropolitan Police. 

The Lead supports data sharing between London boroughs and the Metropolitan Police. They have also established data sharing agreements, acted as a trusted advisor and conducted research on behalf of the funding organisations. 

Further funding for the next three years (2024-27) has been requested to continue the role.  

The funding required will be £115,210 in 2024/25, and £123,982 in 2025/26 and £113,630 in 2026/27.  

This decision seeks approval for the MOPAC portion of this funding. 

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime is recommended to:   

1. Approve the funding of the Pan-London Information Governance Lead at a cost of £38,403 in 2024/25, £41,327 in 2025/26 and £44,543 in 2026/27, (£124,273 in total) 

PART I - NON-CONFIDENTIAL FACTS AND ADVICE TO THE DMPC 

1. Introduction and background 

1. The Pan-London Information Governance Lead has been partly funded by MOPAC for the last two years, further funding has been requested for the next three years. 

2. Effective use of data is at the heart of delivering the New Met For London Plan and the ability to share data between partners will contribute to this. Where data is shared partners must assure themselves that they are fulfilling this as part of their legal responsibilities (i.e. there is a lawful basis for sharing) and that data are shared in a way that complies with the requirements of data protection legislation.  

3. The role provides strong foundations for pan-London data sharing. The role holder works on a variety of projects and initiatives that benefit MPS and MOPAC directly and maintains positive relationships with information governance professionals across London. 

2. Issues for consideration 

1. Over the past 2 years the Pan London Information Governance Lead has taken a leading role in data sharing across London. They have worked with partners, including London Councils and the Metropolitan Police to ensure that pan-London data sharing is undertaken in a consistent and lawful way. They have established 33 MPS data sharing agreements, successfully built strong relationships and acted as a trusted mediator between MPS and London boroughs.  

2. Over the last 2 years they have helped partners across London to manage data sharing requirements, most recently in relation to the Serious Violence Duty. The role has also supported London boroughs to develop a clear data ask and rationale for data sharing between boroughs, the MPS and the VRU.  

3. Funding is requested for a further three years. This will enable the Pan London Information Governance Lead to continue their work supporting partners with day-to-day information governance requirements. 

4. In addition, there are emerging pieces of legislation which will require consideration in terms of their impact on data sharing. For example, The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill is currently being review by the House of Lords. The Pan London Information Governance Lead will be support other Information Governance Leads the assess the impact it will have. 

5. The Pan London Information Governance Lead has been key to delivering effective information sharing across crime and disorder partners in London. With data and information increasingly important in the delivery of effective services it is recommended that funding for this role continues. 

3. Financial Comments 

1. Funding has been requested for the PLIGL role for three years, 2024/25 – 2026/27.  

2. The contribution from MOPAC is £38,403 in 2024/25, £41,327 in 2025/26 and £44,543 in 2026/27. 

3. MOPAC’s annual contribution will be met from the Corporate IT budget in each financial year.  

4. Legal Comments 

1. MOPAC’s general powers are set out in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). Section 3(6) of the 2011 Act provides that MOPAC must “secure the maintenance of the metropolitan police service and secure that the metropolitan police service is efficient and effective.”.  

2. The Data Protection Act 2018 sets out clear responsibilities in respect of data sharing between partners, the funding of this post will ensure that these responsibilities are me by all parties. 

3. Paragraph 4.8 of the MOPAC Scheme of Delegation and Consent provides that the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (DMPC) has delegated authority to approve all bids for grant funding. 

5. Commercial Issues 

1. This Decision requests approval to modify the existing grant and facilitation agreement with London Councils (and MPS). 

2. MOPAC made an original contribution of £63k, and now a further three years of funding are sought which will cost a further £124k, leading to a cumulative value of MOPAC’s contribution being £187k. London Councils and MPS have both contributed, and will contribute, the same amount. 

3. The Scheme of Delegation requires the approval of DMPC for all grant awards. 

4. The actions proposed can be taken in compliance with procurement legislation and MOPAC’s Contract Regulations. 

6. Public Health Approach  

1. The role of the Pan London Information Governance Lead is to ensure effective data sharing between partners. This is key to the successful delivery of a public health approach. This is seen most recently in the Leads work to support the provision of the required data to comply with the Serious Violence Duty. 

7. GDPR and Data Privacy  

1. MOPAC will adhere to the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 and ensure that any organisations who are commissioned to do work with or on behalf of MOPAC are fully compliant with the policy and understand their GDPR responsibilities.   

2. The role purpose, by definition, contributes to greater confidence that the provisions of the Data Protection Act and being adhered to and data subjects rights are being protected. 

3. Based on the work carried to date by the Pan London Information Governance lead, having the role ensures compliance with overseeing the use of the Information Sharing Gateway for DSA approval and supporting parties to ‘sign’ DSAs in a timely manner. 

8. Equality Comments  

1. MOPAC is required to comply with the public sector equality duty set out in section 149(1) of the Equality Act 2010. This requires MOPAC to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations by reference to people with protected characteristics. The protected characteristics are: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. 

2. Effective data protection documentation will include consideration of the impact of data sharing thus supporting compliance with the Equality Act 2010. 

9. Background/supporting papers 

1. None