Academic Leadership for Data First: Maximising the Impact of Linked Justice Data

The Ministry of Justice’s Data First programme, funded by Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK), brings together administrative data from across the justice system, creating new opportunities to understand people’s experiences of justice and generate evidence to inform policy and practice.

Making the most of this national resource requires more than making data available. Researchers need the knowledge and support to use complex linked datasets effectively, while the data themselves must continue to develop in response to research needs and emerging policy priorities.

This project provides academic leadership to help maximise the value and impact of Data First. Working closely with the Ministry of Justice and ADR UK, it will strengthen the research community through training, mentoring and practical guidance, particularly for researchers new to administrative data. It will also bring researchers’ experiences into the ongoing improvement of datasets, including their quality, documentation and usability.

A central aim is to build an active, collaborative research community connecting academics, government analysts, practitioners and third sector organisations. Through knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration, the programme will encourage new research opportunities and strengthen connections between justice, education, social care and other areas of public policy.

By bringing researchers and policymakers closer together, the project will help identify important evidence gaps, support research that responds to policy needs, and promote the effective communication and use of findings. Ultimately, it aims to ensure that linked justice data contribute to a stronger evidence base, better-informed decisions and wider public benefit.