Data literacy in the Public Sector: Lessons from Scotland’s Digital Office

In Scotland’s public sector, the challenge isn’t collecting data. It’s using it effectively. Across local government, councils, and frontline services, a new data literacy programme is helping teams build confidence, trust, and practical skills to make better decisions.

The context: Why data literacy matters in Scottish Local Government

Across Scotland’s councils, pressure is mounting. From tackling child poverty to improving housing, better decisions are needed everywhere. And those decisions rely on better use of data. And while tools are critical to making access easier, it also requires better habits, better conversations, and better confidence in using what’s already there.

The Digital Office for Scottish Local Government, working with the Scottish Digital Academy, teamed up with Data Literacy Academy to do just that. They knew that generic training wouldn’t hit the mark and they needed to help people, especially those on the frontline, build confidence with data. They needed a tailored approach to public sector data training.

What’s different: not just training

Their data literacy programme centers practical support, real examples, and flexible formats that work around people’s jobs.

Every learner also has access to Coach, our AI learning companion which offers quick tips and guidance when people need it. Live sessions create space for discussion and shared learning. Asynchronous modules allow people to dip in and out when it suits them. And local data champions, people already doing the work, are there to turn the theory into new habits.

What’s happening: actual change

The numbers speak volumes. The Data for Business certification is seeing 78% learner engagement so far; Data for Business Pro hit an impressive 93%.

But while those metrics are a good first indicator, they don’t say anything about outcomes.

So let’s talk about what the real-world impact is.

Services are being redesigned with data in mind. Council teams are tackling food wastage in schools by understanding where and why it happens. Social care systems are evolving based on better insight, not just instinct. And local leaders are finally able to challenge assumptions with evidence.

William Cunningham from North Lanarkshire Council put it simply: “We’re not just learning how to use data. We’re learning how to think differently.”

Ewan Walker of Perth & Kinross added: “Good data isn’t a luxury anymore, it’s a necessity. And we’ve seen that when people have the right skills and confidence, change follows quickly.”

The shift is grounded in four clear ideas:

1. Using data to solve real problems
2. Whether it’s reducing late hospital discharges or identifying at-risk families, good data helps people act, not just report.
3. Recognising that data touches every role
4. Many people work with data daily without realising it. This programme helps them name it, use it, and feel good about doing so.
5. Making collaboration easier
6. Different systems and structures are a reality in government. But shared language and basic data confidence help cut through the noise.
7. Helping people feel confident, not overwhelmed
8. From cleaning teams to chief execs, people are learning at their own pace, and applying what they learn straight away.

The return on investment: outcomes that matter

Yes, this is about data. But really, it’s about impact. When data skills go up, so do outcomes.

Services get sharper. Strategies become more responsive. Teams work smarter, not harder. And ultimately, people across Scotland get the support they need, when they need it.

The programme is laying the groundwork for long-term cultural change. Ongoing assessments lay bare where confidence is growing, and where more support is needed. Governance can start to feel like more than a boring tick-box exercise, but as a foundation for trust. And senior leaders are asking better questions, because they know what’s possible when data is used well.

Why it matters

Governments need to optimise how people work to ensure that citizens feel cared for. And one way to do that is eliminate making decisions based on assumptions. That’s why Scottish Government knew it needed to give their people the support to do so.

Want to learn more about how our data and AI literacy programmes work?

Get in touch or check out the full video series featuring leaders across Scotland.

You can follow the Scottish Digital Academy's journey here.

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