20240318 — Week Notes
What did I get done?
Data and Systems Transformation Programme
The new HR system went live two weeks ago, this week was the test of all the hard work, and payroll run!
Of course, it worked, everyone got paid, phew! A big thanks to the HR project team and overall DST Team for the efforts on this.
The new Finance system I’ve been working on signs off and very close to the finish line. Rallying the team, splitting the big tasks into small chunks and making sure everyone knows what is needed by when. Our project manager is on holiday and my goal was on her return the project is in mobilisation phase. Did we get the work done? Yes of course. A major focus I had was on myself, procurement and the DST team pulling in all supporting resources and key stakeholders. Supporting papers written and governance sign-offs prepped and job done! Now onto the job of project mobilisation 🙂
Data Hub
Data, we need data, data is the new soil?
Yes it is, look after your data, keep it out of the sun and feed and water the people who look after it and you’ll have some good capabilities for decision-making.
Our data hub is growing and using MS Fabric, Data Factory, PowerBI and new tools for streamlined loads. All data pipelines are done and some dimensional modelling is complete along with presentation layer tools for users in the front end.
The challenge now is looking at data interactions with our systems against organisational goals. This week some shows and tells from our data team have been very useful to share where we are at and what’s next, feels so good to be using this stuff and painting the way for new things to come. Experimenting as we go and ensuring what we have is safe and flexible.
Looking forward to working with services to agree on business rules and then we can get cracking doing data interactions between source systems. The good news is that although the tools are new in Fabric and Data Factory the methods are consistent with tried and tested technology. Our lead data developer has a vision and is working on getting there, we now need to give the assurance and support to ensure we continue to deliver and have an adequate level of documentation.
Cyber Security
I did a micro comms talk / update in the all-staff meeting to remind people how important it is to be vigilant on cyber security. Check emails as this is a common attack vector for intruders and digital bad uns! Confirmed what the cost is for a successful cyber incident and how we all can reduce this risk. Always check, if in doubt ask and always report anything suspicious.
Networking
Had some calls with some known and new NHS colleagues about several things including CPD with FedIP, reviewing some data plans in an MH trust and visiting another to reflect their data plans briefly. The FedIP CPD workshop was great, reflections are that data analytics CPD is very important. As important as doctors in training and as a minimum we should encourage our staff to CPD at least half a day a month. People in tech roles, listen up… dedicate time to grow and master your craft and share with your team. If you are not growing your standing still and if you are standing still you are going backwards.
