iStand UK has published a SAVVI Playbook to support the use of Scalable Approach to Vulnerability Via Interoperability data standard.
The local government standards body said the playbook is a comprehensive guide setting out the steps and resources needed to find and support vulnerable individuals.
Its publication marks a milestone in the organisation’s work on vulnerability data, which was set up with the support of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A number of local and regional authorities have been active in supporting initiative, including Tameside Council which acts as the host, and Wigan Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority which have led two of the workstreams. The programme has been supported by MHCLG’s Local Digital Fund.
The playbook provides an overview of the programme, a description of the SAVVI process, and information governance framework, a guide to relevant technology, the data standards, a catalogue of tools and resources, templates for designing vulnerability initiatives, a glossary of key terms and a collection of case studies.
Concepts, model and dictionary
The standards comprise: a model defining the key concepts that enable data to flow around the SAVVI process; a logical model that defines data entities and their fields as the basis for data sharing; and the data dictionary to define the structure and values of complex or reusable data fields.
Case studies include Wigan Council’s work to support vulnerable people during an emergency, Huntingdonshire’s broader work on supporting vulnerable people, and North Yorkshire’s support for children at risk of not being ready for school.
Mevish Khalid of iStand said the playbook can be used by anyone involved in identify and supporting vulnerable individuals.
“In today’s complex social landscape, identifying vulnerable individuals is a significant challenge,” she said. “No single organisation has access to all the data and insight needed to predict who may be at risk, and no single organisation has all the support services required to provide effective support.
“This is where SAVVI comes in – a programme designed to bridge this gap by promoting the use of data to improve early identification and smarter interventions for vulnerable individuals and households.”
She added that publication of the playbook “means that we can be better prepared for future emergencies and crises”.
