Head of Data Innovation, HMCTS

Policy Fellow, Centre for Science and Policy

Ciara is Head of Data Innovation, HMCTS, on the Ministry of Justice Data Strategy Team. Her role involves looking at how to improve data governance, use and sharing within MOJ and HMCTS, during the HMCTS reform and transformation. Ciara is also leading a Data Mapping exercise as part of a larger project ‘Data First’ funded by Administrative Data Research UK. The aims for the programme include: Improve administrative data flows and internal and external data linking; Strengthen MoJs strategic research capability; Provide external academics a way to access relevant anonymised linked data extracts.

Previously Ciara worked as policy advisor in the Devolution Settlements Division of the Cabinet Office, part of the larger Constitution Group. As part of her role, she covered EU Exit Primary Legislation, working with legal and policy teams from across government on Brexit bills that impact on Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Before joining the Cabinet Office, Ciara worked around communications, digital media and technology. Most recently providing advice to businesses as a writer and analyst covering online habits, online privacy, ecommerce and new tech companies, and previously working on partnerships between corporations and social enterprise and projects including political and economic forecasts for the UK in 2016, which did not predict the context for her future work... She has also built up extensive experience putting on events, in the US, London, and at the Davos World Economic Forum.