Data in Practice Webinar: National Coronial Information System overview and demonstration of Fatal Facts Tool

NCIS have presented a number of Data seminars – this time they will run through the standard general information session, with material of interest to SPA members, including a demonstration of the Fatal Facts tool. 

This will be of particular interest to researchers, but is also helpful for policymakers, advocates, etc. 

2pm 5 October 2023. 

We will be running through our standard general information session and will include some bonus material that may be of particular interest to your membership including a demonstration of our Fatal facts tool. Please note the session does not include a demonstration of the NCIS database. 

We anticipate that the session will run for 50 mins. We are happy to answer questions on the day, noting that we cannot answer questions relating to specific case data (including number of suicides). 

Session overview 

The National Coronial Information System (NCIS) is a data repository containing information on deaths reported to a coroner in Australia and New Zealand. It is an essential data tool for both coroners and researchers to obtain nationally standardised information about the causes of preventable death and injury. 

The NCIS is a voluntary data sharing collaboration between coroners courts from each Australian state and territory and New Zealand. Information contained on the NCIS is prepared by, and belongs to, the respective coroners court from each of these jurisdictions. 

This session provides an overview of the NCIS, how it came about, what it is and how it works. Attendees will gain an understanding of how NCIS data may be accessed and the services offered by the NCIS Unit. The session may be beneficial for researchers who are considering applying to use NCIS data to support their research. 

Presenter overviews 

We will have multiple presenters on the day, including: 

Ally Watson is the NCIS Manager, responsible for overall operations of the NCIS, ensuring service delivery in accordance with NCIS governance arrangements. Ally holds a Bachelor of Business (Information and Knowledge Management) and a Graduate Certificate in Psychology. 

Jessica Jackson is the NCIS’ Senior Lead responsible for managing the technical aspects of the database and quality of the dataset, working closely with coronial courts across Australia and New Zealand. Jessica is one the NCIS’ longest serving staff members and holds a Bachelor of Information Management. 

Jessica Bryan is one of two Access Officers at the NCIS. Jessica works primarily with researchers looking to obtain access to the NCIS by guiding them through the application process and then supporting approved projects. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours and a Master of Cinema Management.  

Kat Dartnell is the NCIS’ Senior Research Officer and responsible for coordinating the data report service and NCIS Unit publications. Kat works closely with external clients, including the media, who are seeking access to deidentified statistical data. Kat holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Criminology).