Why focus on developing a Unified Data system?
The efficient, effective and timely collection and use of data is very important for the following reasons:
A unified data system would help ensure the above and would also allow exploration of ways in which data can assist in safeguarding welfare.
Issues affecting existing data collection system
The current systems of data collection are not geared towards current demands. Current data collection systems rely largely on retrospective annual summaries, making it difficult if not impossible to react to any situations e.g. monitoring of potential disease outbreaks (foot and mouth disease, blue tongue) which require a more efficient means of accessing accurate data. The data does little to inform ‘sustainable’ deer management - for example there is no recording of the condition of deer. In essence current data systems do not allow traceability from hill to plate.
DCS currently collects data on cull returns, authorisation returns and venison dealer records. This data, which is collected by DCS and game dealers, is at best partial and provides poor linkage between different sets of data and poor linkage back to the source of the data. This often results in duplication of effort both by practitioners and DCS staff in submitting and collating current records and returns.
Unified Data Reports:
The following background reports capture current and developing thinking on unified data systems. Please click here to download the reports; UD1.1.1: A report on limitations of data currently collected UD1.1.2: A report on estimated numbers of deer shot that do not go through game dealers (‘domestic consumption’) UD2.1.1: A report on the data requirements of a unified system UD3.1.1: A review of different options available for collecting and reporting cull data UD3.1.2: A report on a review of options for collecting required data, based on new and existing ideas, that could be used in Scotland
Where are we now?
Stakeholders at the seminar in November identified a number of emerging themes. These have been collated and summarised in a feedback note which is available from the Welfare and Competence main page. These emerging themes are being used, together with the consultant reports, to direct the next stage of project development. The purpose of disseminating and articulating these emerging themes is to give an indication of current thinking on these projects.
Next Steps
We are planning to hold another seminar in November 2008 to build on the emerging themes from the seminar in November 2007 and to identify practical proposals to deliver the projects on the ground. We will upload further details on this seminar to the website in October 2008.
Further Information: Should anyone experience any technical difficulties whilst downloading these reports please contact Laura Fenton on 01786 446282 or at laura.fenton@dcs.gov.uk
