Feature

Why Data Matters is your must-attend event

Data Matters is an annual opportunity for senior data experts in higher and further education to come together, gain unique insights and tackle sector challenges together.

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The carefully curated programme of lightning talks, panels and keynotes features a range of experts from both inside the sector and out. This year we’ve also added ‘ask the experts’ sessions to give you even greater access to tailored expertise.

Plus there’s a chance for some hands-on experience in our demo zone, trialling the latest developments in Jisc’s data-focussed products and services.

Who should attend Data Matters?

Whether you're an established data leader or considering what better data practice could do for your organisation, this event is your chance to connect with your peers, learn and be inspired.

We all know that timely, accurate information leads to better decisions, but navigating the world of data can feel overwhelming. That’s where Data Matters comes in. It brings together data-focussed professionals from across tertiary education to launch conversations and generate ideas you can take back to your organisation.

Our product manager Scotty Dixon, who is co-presenting an update on our research to understand the challenges around HE sector data sources says,

“Good data and data practices are those things we know can improve our decisions for the better, but it's such a huge and often nebulous subject. Data Matters is getting data-interested people into the same room, starting that vital conversation, and generating ideas to take back to your work.”

What’s in it for you?

  • Network with data colleagues from across HE and FE
  • Talk to data professionals about your data maturity, graduate outcomes, the latest labour market statistics, statutory data submission updates, and more
  • Explore sector initiatives and best practice case studies to support your own data governance and its potential in organisational transformation

Our head of business intelligence data analytics Kat Heywood, highlights the value of attending Data Matters:

“It’s the chance to chat with others in data leadership, and the great mix of content will improve your knowledge of sector initiatives, best practice and support available around data.”

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A selection of the day’s hot topics you won’t want to miss

Our chief technology officer Phil Richards will lead the way in digital and data best practice in a shared opening keynote with our chief data officer Rob Phillpotts, where they’ll reflect on how we can work together to share data in more tangible ways.

  • Our data maturity framework is a practical tool built by sector specialists to help you assess and improve your data management, and we’ve added an ‘ask the experts’ session so you can bring your organisation’s key questions
  • Take a deep dive into student experience and retention in talks about the Higher Education Access Tracker (HEAT) and the pilot of first national pre-arrival academic questionnaire
  • Charlie Ball talks about graduate labour market trends: what the data says, what the sector can do, and how we can help
  • We’ll provide an in-year data collection update and share what to expect in the evolving data landscape

Why you should join Data Matters

Jisc has a reputation for delivering high-impact events like Digifest and Networkshop. In just a short time, Data Matters has become the go-to event for senior sector leaders who rely on data to make tough decisions.

Unsurprisingly, the 2025 event was oversubscribed. This year we’ve moved to a more central location to make it even easier to join us, and a larger venue at the Rep in Birmingham.

On 21 January 2026, we’re hosting a packed programme showcasing insights, developments and thought leadership, and plenty of opportunities to share and learn. Kat Heywood adds,

“It’s a great place to start your data improvement journey, whether you're part way through or not.”

From the opening keynote to the closing talk, last year’s Data Matters excited and delighted those attending: delegates and Jisc attendees alike fed back on the buzz around the event.

Attendees loved the opportunity to meet other data-literate colleagues to share their successes (and their challenges) as well as face-to-face time with Jisc experts.

“The talks were really interesting and extremely relevant to discussions we have been starting at institution level. It was validating to hear it expressed across a range of talks and see what has been happening at other institutions.”

-Data Matters 2025 delegate

As our principal technical consultant, Jim Keane, who will be talking about tools to support student wellbeing, reminds us:

“We can use data to support student wellbeing both by identifying those in need of support and tailoring support and interventions. At this year’s Data Matters we will look at how universities are doing both now. Wherever your organisation is with their use of data you will come away with understanding on which steps to take next.”

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