SFC news published since 2018. See SFC archived content for earlier news articles.
The Scottish Funding Council for Further and Higher Education has a rich source of sector data through regular data returns from the sectors we fund. We are committed to openness and transparency, and this is why we work hard to respond to ad-hoc requests from organisations and individuals.
Our small Data Team receives a high volume of data requests. To help us manage these requests effectively, we have introduced an improved approach to customer service. Our new ‘Data Request Form’ is a short and easy-to-use form which will ask you to tell us about your request, for example, how you intend to use the data provided. The information you provide will allow us to respond to requests effectively and efficiently.
We are committed to responding to data requests where possible and will sign-post you to alternative data sources when we can. Our Data Requests system is continuously monitored during standard working hours. Where we are able to provide the data you have asked for, our standard response time is 20 working days. Where we are unable to deliver on your request (for example, if we do not hold the data you have requested) then we will respond to you as soon as possible to let you know and, if appropriate, point you to an alternative source.
This new approach will enable our teams to continue to be responsive to data requests, while also working hard to deliver our longer-term ambitions to improve the way we share our data, for example, via dashboards on our website and through our publications.
We look forward to sharing further updates about our digital transformation programme as it progresses.
