This introductory course will help you understand what a data strategy is, why your organisation should have one, and what typically is in a data strategy.
Course Curriculum
- Introduction to the content of a data strategy (0:18)
- A definition of your organisation’s data needs (4:32)
- Identifying how you will obtain the data you need (4:38)
- Determining how you will extract value from your data (2:12)
- Defining the technical infrastructure you need to store and access your data (2:14)
- Defining how data governance will support your data strategy (2:04)
- Identifying the development needs of staff (and volunteers) (3:59)
Hi, I’m Joanna Fulford.
I've worked with data and CRM systems in the not-for-profit sector for over 20 years.
I'm passionate about helping not-for-profit organisations like yours overcome frustrations with poor quality data, so you can focus on effectively delivering your mission with confidence in reliable and compliant data.
Frequently asked questions
When can I take this course?
You can begin any time you like and you can take as long as you need to complete it.
How long will it take me to complete the course?
It should take approximately one hour to complete the course.
Is there any extra support available from the course instructor?
You can contact me if you have any questions about the course content and how to apply it to your situation. I want you to succeed!
And of course, feedback is always valued so please do provide that at the end of the course so I can make it even better.
How technical is the course?
This course is designed for people who don’t have a background as a data professional. Any ‘technical’ terminology is fully explained as you go through the course so you can learn about it.
The course also contains a downloadable workbook covering the meaning of any data-related terminology.
I work for a really small organisation - is this course suitable?
I believe every organisation, no matter how small, should have a data strategy. As a rule of thumb, the smaller and less complex the organisation, the shorter and simpler the data strategy will be.
Thinking through the different aspects of a data strategy where use of data is basic is still invaluable.
"This was a really helpful way to come out from the day to day of troubleshooting data issues and spend an hour seeing the wood from the trees... This course has provided me with clear, simple and practical toolkit to plan how we will meet our new data needs. This course has made it feel manageable."
Abby Taylor
Head of Strategy and Performance at Wellcome Trust
"The course provides a clear and easy-to-follow approach to defining a data strategy. It brings clarity to the complexity of data management and provides a well structured approach to thinking about and managing an organisation's data so that its value as an asset can be maximised."
Ryan Taylor
Head of Digital at City, University of London
"[This course] really hammered home the point how you are most probably letting down the people you are trying to help if you don't have a data strategy - you simply won't reliably know whether you have met your objectives. So, grab pen and paper, make yourself a cuppa and do Jo's intro course!"
Sonja Jutte
Data Science Analyst at Transport for London
"This course offers an excellent, accessible and step by step guide to data strategy. As someone who needs to engage with data but has no background in data strategy I cannot but praise this course for the insights it gives. Much to recommend it."
Miles Lockwood
Director of Complaints and Investigations at the Advertising Standards Authority
“Jo, you've done a wonderful job and this program will be a gift to so many! I really love the layout and flow of the content. It was easy to follow and gave me good information without overwhelming me.”
Kathie Elliott
Board Member, Cole Academy Charter Schools