Say hello to our new open data champions

Our new open data champions will lead the way in widening access to our datasets. They’ll work closely with you, as sector colleagues, to refine and implement agreed plans. And as these plans are rolled out, they’ll support you to make the most of our data in its new open format. 

We’ve been talking about recruiting them for many months. Today, we’re delighted to welcome Hannah Cramer and Izzy Budd into these new and exciting roles.

Right now, Hannah and Izzy are establishing plans for the channels they’ll use to keep you updated about the project and gain your feedback at important points. Your responses to our recent consultation are informing their decisions. Conversations with the Open Data Institute and others are also happening, and we aim to publish our communications channel plans in May this year.

Scroll down to find out more about them and hear what they have to say about exciting times ahead.

Meet Hannah Cramer

Hannah joined us 18 months ago as a Data Policy & Governance Analyst, after completing her Social Research Methodology PGDip at the University of Bristol.  She’s built fantastic relationships with sector colleagues through the exceptional support she’s provided for their data returns and is ideally placed to co-lead our open data project.

“I understand the data coming into the agency. I now want to understand and make a difference to the outputs.  Enabling more people to benefit from HE data is a big motivator for me.”

Meet Izzy Budd

Izzy is one of our talented senior information analysts and has been a core part of our data outputs for 14 years. Five years ago she began to manage the production of our data publications. And has done a great job of it ever since. It’s a natural progression for Izzy to be at the helm of our open data project and her knowledge and skills will be an invaluable asset.

“I know our publications inside out, and the value of the data they hold. It’s great that they will be more usable, especially in these times of change. We’re moving forward with what we offer, which is really exciting.”

Hannah and Izzy will be working one day each week alongside their existing HESA roles.

Feel free to say hello and welcome them to their new roles on [email protected] 

And if you haven't already, read our Open Data Strategy