White paper: effective multi-agency data sharing for public safety | Capita

Despite robust legislation and decades of policy commitment, many public sector organisations still face practical challenges when it comes to sharing data effectively across agencies.

This white paper explores why multi-agency data sharing (MADS) can be difficult in practice — drawing on insights from serious case reviews, statutory duties, and frontline experiences. It highlights how siloed systems, legacy IT infrastructure, differing risk assessments, and professional caution can sometimes hinder timely and coordinated responses. Yet the need for a secure, proactive, and joined-up approach to data sharing has never been clearer.

Inside, we examine:

The limitations of current approaches - including fragmented governance, incompatible systems, ad-hoc data exchanges, and risk-averse interpretations of data protection law.
What effective multi-agency data sharing (MADS) looks like today - from cloud-based infrastructure and unified data models to privacy-by-design principles and shared governance frameworks.
A proven roadmap for MADS implementation - outlining a phased approach from foundational governance to advanced analytics, helping organisations move from visions to delivery. This approach can be adopted as a self-managed programme or delivered through a fully supported managed service.

The benefits of multi-agency data sharing (MADS) are significant: earlier interventions, reduced duplication, more precise resource allocation, greater professional confidence, and a measurable shift from reactive to preventive practice. By aligning people, processes, and technology, MADS offers a clear path to safer communities, more resilient services, and better outcomes for those most at risk.

Download the white paper to explore practical steps and key insights for improving safeguarding and public protection through effective multi-agency data sharing:

Download the MADS white paper

Written by

Dave Tonks

Lead for Justice & Policing, Capita

Dave brings extensive experience of operational policing, organisational remodelling and digital transformation to his role at Capita. Prior to joining Capita, he served for 29 years in a variety of policing roles, concluding his policing career as the operational lead for Police Scotland’s Digitally Enabled Policing Team with responsibility for designing and delivering their new national information management platform (COS).

Stan Gilmour

KPM FRSA, Business Consultant, Justice & Policing, Capita

Stan is a seasoned business consultant at Capita, specialising in multi-agency data sharing and collaboration within the justice and policing sector. With extensive global experience in operational policing and partnerships for community safety, health, and wellbeing, Stan also is a Professor of Policing Practice. Before joining Capita, Stan served for 30 years in neighbourhood, local, regional, national, and international senior police roles. He finished his policing career as the Director of the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit, leading data collaboration nationally.