The Government has appointed Katherine Fairclough as the new Chair of the Mayoral Data Council (MDC), a cross‑government forum established to strengthen data sharing, capability and insight across all layers of government.
Katherine, who is Chief Executive of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority with a strong track record in regional governance and evidence‑based decision‑making, will oversee the Council’s work as it enters its 2025–26 programme. She will lead senior data representatives from England’s Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) and the Greater London Authority in shaping national approaches to data that enable more effective, efficient and targeted delivery of local services.
The Mayoral Data Council was established to empower MSAs with the right tools, evidence and access needed to deliver on devolution for their communities. The English Devolution White Paper committed to giving local and regional government a stronger voice in national data policy, and the Mayoral Data Council brings this to life.
As Chair, Katherine will work with members to shape the Council’s strategic agenda, champion reform of data-sharing arrangements between central and local government, and strengthen collaboration across departments and regions. She will also play a key role in ensuring that lessons, challenges and opportunities identified by local leaders are fed directly into national decision‑making.
The Mayoral Data Council (MDC) has set out its 2025–2026 plan to strengthen data‑driven decision making. The strategy has prioritised boosting data and AI capability, influencing national digital and statistical reforms, and improving data sharing with central government, especially in the key areas of adult skills and young people not in education employment or training (NEETs).
Katherine Fairclough said:
“I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of the Mayoral Data Council. High‑quality data and the ability to share it securely and effectively are essential to delivering better outcomes for people and places. I look forward to working with colleagues across Mayoral Strategic Authorities, central government and partner organisations to strengthen our collective capability and unlock new opportunities for improvement and innovation.”
