Collection

Data Standards Authority

The home page for the Data Standards Authority (DSA) and its work to improve how public sector manages data more effective to share and use data across government

The Data Standards Authority was established in April 2020 to improve cross-government coordination on data standards. The DSA works with a wide range of experts across the public sector, devolved administrations, industry and academia to understand specific interoperability problems that can be usefully tackled through the adoption of common data standards.

Contact Us

If you would like to get in touch with the Data Standards Authority, please email us at data-standards-authority@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk.

About the DSA

The primary page about the DSA includes key information about what the DSA does and how it is governed as well as some of the core guidance and resources endorsed for data projects across government. Further information about the DSA is available in the following page.

The DSA Strategy 2020-2023

The DSA Strategy 2020-2023 sets out the role and approach of the DSA to improve the adoption of common data standards across government for the period 2020-2023. The strategy covers information such as the DSA’s role and scope, objectives, priorities and the work that the DSA has been doing to achieve its objectives. Further information on the DSA Strategy 2020-2023 is available in the following page.

The DSA Operational Model and Processes

The DSA Operational Model and Processes sets out how the DSA works with internal and external partners to set common data standards for government. It provides clear and detailed steps and actions for the DSA to ensure the consistency of its work and these standards. It provides guidance on four scenarios for establishing common data standards. Further information about the DSA operational model and processes is available in the following page:

DSA Current Projects

Supporting documentation and information about current projects carried out by the Data Standards Authority.

Standards Catalogue

The DSA works to ensure that there is consensus on the standards endorsed for cross-government adoption with the purpose of making it easier and more effective to share and use data across government. The standards catalogue contains all the standards that have been endorsed by the DSA to date. Further information and detail on the standards endorsed or in the process of being consulted upon is available in the following page:

Github Catalogue

Governance and Minutes

The DSA is open and transparent about its processes and decisions. A steering board of cross-government stakeholders shapes its work and acts as a decision making body. The work is further supported by a peer review group of subject matter experts drawn from across government, the devolved administrations, local government and other bodies.

Additional Resources

The UK government selects open standards for use in government. The aim is to apply these consistently across government bodies, making services more integrated and better for users. These profiles also include the open standards chosen by peer review and public comment through the Open Standards for Government process and the Open Standards Board. The Open Standards Board endorsed the first set of open standards for government in September 2013. Further information about recommended and endorsed standards to date is available in the following pages:

Published 28 July 2023
Last updated 25 October 2023 + show all updates
  1. Added a new collection: DSA Current Projects

  2. First published.