The Essex Centre for Data Analytics (ecda) has welcomed David Caplan as its new Head. 

David brings a wealth of experience to ecda having worked across the public sector in analytical roles. Most recently he was Head of Analytics and Research at CIPFA, where he led the transformation of data management and championed the enhanced analysis of data to provide insight to data users across Police and Councils.  

Previously David spent six years at the Audit Commission as Director of Research and Analysis. At the Commission he directed a series of influential reports on diverse topics including coalfield regeneration, the response to flooding, treasury management and the impact of the 2008/09 recession on Local Government. He also led a very wide range of analytical projects covering topics in health, policing and other local public services.  

ecda, a partnership between Essex Police, Essex County Council and the University of Essex, is bringing together people and data to generate valuable new insight that gives us a much deeper, and shared understanding about an issue or a place. Additional and detailed awareness enables us to make better decisions about how we tackle some of our most challenging issues to prevent harm, keep people safe, and provide the best opportunities and services for the county, its residents and business community. 

Richard Puleston, Director Strategy Insight & Engagement at Essex County Council and member of the ecda Board said: “I’d like to extend a warm welcome to David on behalf of all member organisations of the Essex Centre for Data Analytics. This is a crucial appointment for Essex County Council, Essex Police and the University of Essex, and will support our shared ambition for the Essex Centre for Data Analytics to embed an evidence led culture within public services, enabling us to focus on intervening early and developing preventative solutions.  

“David brings his extensive experience of working with data in the public sector and will work alongside a highly skilled and multi-disciplinary team to further evolve and consolidate the county’s data assets and accelerate our data capabilities.” 

In his new role David will lead ecda’s strategy to build data capability, capacity and collaboration across the sector. He will work closely with data and analytics teams across Essex County Council, Essex Police and the University of Essex, as well as public sector partners throughout Essex, further building on the strong foundations already laid.  

David said: “I am committed to the development of evidence to inform public sector policy and practice. I believe that by unlocking the potential of data, analytics can support the improvement in public services and, ultimately improve people’s lives.”