DUG represents the needs of the commercial users of information and provides a forum for commercial data analysts to meet and exchange best practice. We provide skills development resources and training to members. DUG also supports it members by sourcing new data and creating new data sets saving them money, resources and time.
Our Mission
To promote consumer / citizen-centric analyses of company and government databases, together with views on best practice.
To work in partnership with government on behalf of commercial users to ensure that the right data is created and made available, in the right way, at the right time, co-ordinated through the dissemination of the DUG's Data Manifesto
To encourage DUG members to share their experiences of using various data-sets, and also their methods of analysis, and the insights obtained.
To advise universities on the needs of businesses for graduates with Insight skills and build a pipeline of potential new recruits to DUG members
To act as an incubator for new ideas, which might give DUG members first-mover advantage, and which can be subsequently taken up and developed by others.
Benefits
High Profile representation to government with other businesses who also see the value of data Given DUG’s past and present membership which includes - Barclays, Co-operative Group, E.ON, GlaxoSmithKline,Ladbroke Coral,Sainsbury’s,Tesco, Whitbread – government always takes notice of the group’s views on its information.
Sharing of data, knowledge and experience with companies across a range of sectors DUG provides the opportunity to meet other commercially successful businesses and learn about their ways of working, and use of data.
Cutting data costs, & fighting future threats Successfully making the case to get 2001 and 2011 Census statistics free, saving tens of £000’s for each member. The Census also provides standard geographical areas, greatly reducing data maintenance costs. Campaigning for other government data to be free, with >19,000 datasets now available through www.data.gov.uk These include high quality Ordnance Survey mapping, which was previously prohibitively expensive. In addition, this knowledge also enables members to put pressure on Resellers to cut their prices. Resisting threats, e.g. cuts in the scope of the 2011 Census, and charges for other government information.
Opportunities to meet and learn from others Quarterly meetings with similar people in other businesses, and featuring expert guest speakers. Workshops on topics of common interest, e.g. customer value, campaign optimisation, communicating insight, customer segmentation, data quality, and recruitment.
Influencing government for better and new information (ongoing, and through the annual Conference) DUG is recognised as a significant voice by government, and has excellent contacts with senior officials. Priorities include better updated population statistics, access to surveys of consumer behaviour, & a national address register. Annual Conference. "The value this conference has added, and the benefits to my team, are alone worth the annual DUG subscription" – Rob Harris, Head of Branch Strategy, Barclays.
New information and ideas – valuable “nuggets” Email alerts of news & insights relevant to members.
Close contacts with academia Benefiting from academic co-operation and innovation, e.g. University College London’s work on mapping and visualisation. 30 Master’s projects have been carried out for members in the last 3 years. Strong ties with the ESRC’s new Consumer Data Research Centre’s ground-breaking projects.
Staff development – free bespoke training “The role of an analyst”. “How analysts can influence decision makers”. "Managing an insight Team”. “Free Government Data”.