Use of predictive analytics in child welfare

To whom this may concern,

I am writing to you on behalf of Privacy International. I am seeking to access the following information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:

1. Have you already started to use the predictive casenotes model developed by “Achieving for Children” as described in Case Study 1 of the publication “Using predictive analytics in local public services”? (accessible here: https://www.local.gov.uk/publications/us...)

2. If you answered “Yes” to Question 1, when did you start using the model?

3. What categories of data have been used to create the model?

4. What data-sharing arrangements did you rely on to inform the model? Please share them.

5. Have you conducted a data protection impact assessment? If so please share.

6. Has there been audit to consider the risk of discrimination? If so please share.

7. Please provide any evaluations of the functioning and impact of the model.

8. Please provide any operational reviews of the model.

9. Please provide any reports about the accuracy or effectiveness of the model.

10. If you answered “No” to Question 1, please state why. If implementation of the model is in progress or otherwise planned, please indicate a detailed timeline for completion.

11. Could you share any document you may hold about this model? (internal briefing notes, meeting minutes, reports, instructional materials, technical manuals etc.)

12. Have you consulted any specialist organisations about the predictive model? If so, please tell us their names.

If it is not possible to provide the information requested due to the information exceeding the cost of compliance limits identified in Section 12 of FOIA, please provide advice and assistance, under the Section 16 obligations of FOIA, as to how to refine this request. We would be grateful for any advice and assistance.

If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact us via email and we will be happy to clarify what we are asking for and discuss the request, details are outlined below.

Thank you for your time and we look forward to your response within 20 working days.

Yours faithfully,

Eva Blum-Dumontet
Senior Research Officer
Privacy International