FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What's this all about then?

This competition is about how you can help us make better use of your data. This is your chance to tell us what could be useful to you. We set out full details on the about page, but in essence we are looking for the next FixMyStreet or NHS Choices. The next idea to transform how the people find out about or use public services.

Does this have anything to do with computer disks or personal information?

No. This is NOT about personal information at all. Instead it is about the non-personal information that is publically available or publically owned that can be resused to make life better or easier for the public. It is about data such as where a school is - not who goes there; what can be done to tackle diabetes - not who has it.

Do you mean you don't have a use for this information already?

Not at all, we have good reason to collect the data and use it internally (e.g. the list of schools in Edubase if very useful to Ofsted). What we are saying is that there must be other uses for the information - some directly useful to the public. We think you will have a much better idea of what these might be than us. Here's your opportunity to let us know!

Can you tell me what type of thing your looking for?

We are looking for new ways of delivering public services or making public data useful. We have listed some examples here.

Will the Government steal my idea?

No. This is so that you can share your idea in a public forum and (hopefully) have it taken forward. The government is looking for people to partner with to do that development. It is not looking to appropriate your idea for itself.

How will you stop someone else pinching my idea?

Whilst there is no intellectual property in an idea, there is in the steps you take to work up that idea. The competition will not affect your intellectual property.

Should I also file an application with the patent office?

This is somethign for you to think about. The best source of information about steps you can take to protect your idea is the Intellectual Property Office itself. Their guidance is here.

I already thought of an idea and someone on your site has stolen it!

Unfortunately people can have ideas at the same time. We will accept the first idea submitted. We suggest that you use your comments to help work it up. With two of you developing it, the idea has a much better chance to be realised.

I am a genius and have loads of brilliant ideas. Can I enter more than once?

If you have lots of brilliant ideas we want them all. You will only be eligible to win one prize so we may hav to have a chat about which of your great ideas gets taken to the next level.

What if I don't have a brilliant idea?

You have already had one - you came here! Please stay and help shape the ideas that have been posted. Just because you didn't have the idea doesn't mean that your comments aren't valuable. We firmly believe that fully debated ideas are often the best.

Who is behind this site?

This site is run by the Power of Information Taskforce.  The government have agreed a £20,000 prize fund to develop the winning ideas to the next level.

How will the winner be decided on?

The Taskforce members will meet to decide the winners. They reserve to right to award multiple prizes and award financial packages based on need.

How long does the competition last?

The competition will close at the end of September and the winner will be announced in the second week of October.

I am a civil servant can I enter?

If you are a civil servant is that you will not be eligible to win financial elements of the prize. We are arranging for an alternative prize that can be awarded - something like a Macbook Air.

I am foreign can I enter?

All ideas must affect and be implemented in the UK, but other than that the more ideas the merrier!

What is data mashing?

Data mashing is the act of putting information together from different sources in new and interesting ways. This competition is about ways to 'mash' government information. Good examples can be found here.

Which people created the site?

This site has been created for the Taskforce over a couple of weeks by Tom Loosemore, William Perrin and Richard Stirling in the Cabinet Office with support from OPSI and development support from Phil Gyford. A short case study setting out what we did and how much it cost will be appearing shortly.