Learning & Workshops
Learning experiences that make data linkage real.
The Link Lab designs workshops, facilitated sessions and game-based learning for anyone who uses, commissions, governs or is affected by linked data — no technical background required.
Why does this matter?
Data linkage is invisible to most people — including many who work with it every day. Records are matched, merged and used to make decisions about health, housing, education and public services. The assumptions and errors built into those processes are rarely visible or discussed.
The Link Lab exists to change that. Our learning offer is grounded in real data challenges, structured around active participation, and designed to build lasting understanding — not just awareness.
Learning formats
Choose the format that fits your context. All options can be adapted for different audiences, sectors and timeframes.
🎲 Game-based learning
Use The Linkmaster’s Dilemma to put participants inside the problem. Best for teams, courses and events where discussion and debate are the goal.
🧑🏫 Facilitated workshops
Structured half-day or full-day sessions exploring record linkage, data quality, uncertainty, bias and governance. Tailored to your audience and context.
📚 Learning resources
Guides, primers and teaching materials for educators, analysts and policymakers. ⚠️ [Resource library in development — check back or register your interest.]
Who is this for?
Our learning offer is designed to be useful across a wide range of contexts and sectors.
🔬 Researchers & analysts
Build shared understanding of linkage quality, error rates and the implications of methodological choices.
🎓 Students & educators
Curriculum-ready materials and facilitated sessions for undergraduate, postgraduate and professional education.
🏛️ Policymakers & commissioners
Understand what linked data can and cannot tell you — and what questions to ask before acting on it.
🏢 Organisations & teams
Bespoke programmes for data teams, governance boards and leadership groups working with linked data.
👥 Community & public groups
Accessible sessions with no jargon — exploring how data about people is connected and used.
🌍 International partners
Cross-border learning for teams working on data infrastructure, health data or administrative data linkage globally.
What participants come away with
Sessions are designed around active learning and grounded in real linkage challenges. Outcomes vary by format — common threads across all programmes include:
- A working understanding of how record linkage works
- Awareness of common sources of error and uncertainty
- Ability to identify bias and fairness risks in linked datasets
- Familiarity with governance and public benefit frameworks
- Confidence to ask critical questions about linked data
- Shared vocabulary for cross-disciplinary teams
- Practical tools for communicating linkage quality
How we work
Every engagement starts with a conversation. We want to understand your audience, your goals and your constraints before we propose anything.
We listen first. Tell us about your team, your work and what you’re hoping people will understand or be able to do differently.
We design together. We adapt or build a programme around your context — not a generic package.