Connecting Society: How everyday data can shape our lives
Ever wondered what happens to all the data collected about you by government and public services? Whenever you sit a school exam, visit your GP, go to court, or pay tax, a wealth of information is created to help these services run. But how is this data used, and could it actually improve your life?
Connecting Society explores the fascinating world of administrative data, showing how this valuable information is de-identified and used securely for research to inform better policies and support communities.
Through conversations with experts from government, academia, community organisations, and the public, we reveal how linking data and making it available for research can uncover solutions to real-world, interconnected challenges - from improving health outcomes to tackling inequality and more.
Join our hosts, Mark Green, Professor of Health Geography at the University of Liverpool and ADR UK Ambassador, and Shayda Kashef, Senior Public Engagement Manager at ADR UK, to discover how the data shaping your life could also help shape the future.
Connecting Society is brought to you by ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK). Find out more about ADR UK at https://www.adruk.org/, or follow us for updates: https://x.com/adr_uk | https://www.linkedin.com/company/adr-uk/. This podcast builds on a pilot series known as DataPod, produced by ADR Scotland.
Connecting Society: How everyday data can shape our lives
Bonus festive episode: All your data questions, unwrapped
Time flies - and yes, we have returned with another festive episode. After a hiatus, hosts Shayda and Mark return for a one-off Christmas bonus ahead of Connecting Society series two launching in 2026.
This episode flips the format and hands things over to you. Shayda and Mark answer listener questions and some of the most common queries that come up during ADR UK’s public engagement work, from favourite administrative datasets to data security, skills, and how the public can get involved in research.
A festive, long-overdue catch up, a behind-the-scenes look at administrative data, and a warm lead-in to series two.
We'd love to hear from you! If you'd like your question answered in a future episode, send us an email or a voice note with your question to hub@adruk.org.
If you're a member of the public looking to get involved in research, take a look at the ADR UK Working with the public page, or check out these opportunities with our friends: Join HDR UK Voices - HDR UK and Our Data, Our Say - DARE UK.
Connecting Society is brought to you by ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK). Find out more about ADR UK on our website, or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. This podcast builds on a pilot series known as DataPod, produced by ADR Scotland.
