Gemma Cassells

I’m passionate about exploring how the region can work collaboratively to solve challenges. The breadth of services provided by the public sector means there is no shortage of opportunities for data-driven innovation. Bringing the right people, with new skills and ideas into public service delivery is crucial.

Globally, cities are becoming catalysts for delivering change. In the Edinburgh city region, the public sector has a significant data journey to go on, to make sure it is collecting, managing and using data effectively. Leveraging the opportunities for data-driven innovation in the public sector will be key to delivering the City Region Deal aspirations for sustainable, equitable growth.

My interest in open data started during my PhD research in Malawi, where I saw how important it was for local and national government to have access to accurate, reliable information to make decisions about sustainable forest management.

I developed my expertise in Highland Council, leading the Climate Change team, where I developed a data-led approach to creating and implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for the region. Leading Edinburgh’s smart city work, I have seen the range of areas where data can play a role in transforming services, providing better insights into the city from improving access to health and social care to traffic mapping.