Frameworks, principles and accreditation in modern data management

Abstract

The Five Safes framework is increasingly widely used for data governance. Since its conception in 2003, it has influenced data management in many ways, particularly in the public sector. As it has become established, both the advantages and limitations have come to the fore, along with an understanding of modern data management principles. This paper explores the history, strengths and limitations in the Five Safes, as well as recent suggestions for deepening or extending the framework. It places the Five Safes in the context of contemporary developments in principles-based design, user-centred planning, and the evidence-based decision-making. It discusses the different variations on the framework over time, and questions whether there is a need for a fundamental rethink. The paper argues that the framework works best when aligned simultaneously to an accreditation process, a principles-based design ethos, an evidence-base, and a user-centred decision-making process. It examines two countries, the UK and Australia, which are moving in this direction but through very different routes