Microsoft Power BI Training

Waltham Forest council have embarked on an ambitious programme of change.

A key facet of this change relates to the way data is used and this is underpinned by the planned migration of reporting to Power BI from platforms such as Business Object and SSRS.

We know that supporting our staff to improve data literacy will allow them to explore innovative and exciting solutions and test them with confidence, tackling the right challenges for our residents in the process.

Subsequently, WF have established a partnership with Multiverse and have launched the Data Academy, a fully funded programme; pitched at various levels of accreditation, to build in-demand skills and networks across the council, which will equip employees with the ability to conduct improved data analyses, interpret data, and identify priority areas for intervention.

Alongside this, the HR & Organisational Development team are in the process of commissioning various levels of excel training which will be available to all staff.

Where you come in: As we transition towards a data self-service model and prioritise reports for migration, we want to take a 'whole systems' approach and ensure that staff across the council,; are provided with the appropriate upskilling opportunities.

We believe that there are two areas of focus.

Generic PowerBI training for the majority of staff at all levels and more technical training for our data professionals who will build and deploy self-service reports and dashboards and conduct data analysis to support the organisation to monitor performance and make data driven decisions.

This will help cement the cultural change required in the realm of data analytics and equip employees with the appropriate knowledge, skills and behaviors to ensure the planned transition is successful.

We want to further supplement the current learning opportunities available and envisage a phased and long-term approach to upskilling council staff in the use of Power BI by Power BI experts and would like to invite bids from reputable providers who have with a track record of successful delivery in this area.

Initially, our main objective is to ensure key staff from each of our 5 Directorates can master the basics of creating Power BI reports with a view to progressing into more advanced skills in this area over time.

We anticipate mixed cohorts, prefer classroom-based training and would likely tailor the content according to our specific requirements and local needs.

We are also considering taking a 'train the trainer' approach so would welcome submissions from providers who can offer this delivery option.