Information quality

Information, and the data on which it is based, comes in many forms. This can be quantitative or qualitative; measurable or impressionistic; real-time or delayed; raw or interpreted; isolated or aggregated.

Good quality information depends on good quality underlying data.

The key characteristics of good quality data are:

Accuracy

 Data should be sufficiently accurate for their intended purposes.

Validity

Data should be recorded and used in compliance with relevant requirements.

Reliability

Data should reflect stable and consistent data collection processes across collection points and over time.

Timeliness

Data should be captured as quickly as possible after the event or activity and must be available for the intended use within a reasonable time period. Data must be available quickly and frequently enough to support information needs and to influence service or management decisions.

Relevance

Data captured should be relevant to the purposes for which they are used.

Completeness

Data requirements should be clearly specified based on the information needs of the council and data collection processes matched to these requirements.

Not excessive

The data recorded must be the minimum data required in order to carry out the transaction or service.

Not kept for longer than necessary

Data must be for defined business purposes based on an appropriate risk assessment.