The Data Standards Authority (DSA) has recommended the use of new open data standards to improve data sharing across government.

At the Spring Budget, the government made a commitment to improve how it uses data to drive better public services, so today the DSA has published summaries on metadata standards and guidance about how to implement them.

These standards should improve services by allowing departments access to high quality data quickly, easily and securely, protecting personal data at all times.

The standards focus on data shared privately between departments, as well as open data published on GOV.UK and other public sector websites. They also include best practice for sharing CSV files, which convert data from spreadsheets into another format. The standards will be used in line with government data handling guidance, such as the data protection regime and the data ethics framework.

Alison Pritchard, the director general of the Government Digital Service (GDS), said: "Standards are critical in allowing us to make sure our information is better managed - they will improve the quality of government data and help us deliver the best possible services to citizens."

The metadata standards and guidance are the first deliverable of the DSA, a cross government authority led by the GDS.

The DSA is responsible for driving greater standardisation of data across government to improve data quality and sharing.

The DSA is advised by a steering board in setting and delivering a government strategy for this work. The board is made up of representatives from several Whitehall departments, including the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Home Office, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Department for Work and Pensions. The board meets on a monthly basis to discuss strategic priorities and the roadmap for the DSA.

Director general for data capability and ONS deputy national statistician Frankie Kay said: "Through participation on the Steering Board, ONS is able to ensure alignment with wider data initiatives and implement data standards in line with our priorities."

The metadata standards and guidance have been published on GOV.UK and included in the Technology Code of Practice.

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