The Jisc Managing Research Data programme aims to improve the management of research data in a variety of UK universities by developing technical infrastructure, raising awareness and developing skills. As a member of the programme team, I will describe some of the current drivers for the effective management and preservation of research data in UK universities, and the response provided by the JISC Managing Research Data programme. The presentation will touch on the structure and direction of the programme, lessons learned from its approach, and our attempt to quantify the benefits of this work in a structured way.