Data Accuracy Policy

Objective

This is to ensure that the quality of the data produced for the Authority is of the highest quality and that staff are aware of the legal responsibilities a public body has for such high standards

To ensure that data produced for the authority is of the highest accuracy the user has the following responsibilities

Do

• Do ensure that the number of people handing the data are kept to a minimum
• Do ensure that before a new record is entered, a check is made against all existing records to ensure that it does not already exist
• Do ensure that the number of master records for any data set is kept to a minimum One should be the goal
• Do reduce any overlap in data control where ever possible
• Do ensure that data remains clean, by taking ongoing steps to ensure that redundancies, errors and inefficiencies do not occur
• Do endeavour to have data entry validity checks in place wherever possible
• Do investigate any inconsistencies in the data as soon as they become apparent

Do Not

• Do not forget to use your eyes, and brain when entering data. If it looks wrong then check it before entering it
• Do not allow joint ownership of a data set – somebody needs to be ultimately responsible for it
• Do not tolerate any known data errors. If there is a visible known error fix it immediately.