How are local authorities and their partners using data and evidence to square the circle of dramatic reductions in resources set against rising needs and expectations?
The Alliance for Useful Evidence (A4UE) commissioned Educe to report on how local authorities and their partners are seeking to make more of a difference through better use of ‘real world’ data and evidence. (Download available here and blog here.)
This scene-setting report considers, amongst other things:
- how evidence is shaping priorities and helping to make change more manageable
- recent developments in methods to inform investment decision-making, eg, around preventative services
- data and evidence for service improvement and transformation
- raising demand for better evidence – analysis and presentation
- making the most of analytical resources within and across organisations
It highlights practical steps and the scope for further action, for the Alliance, partners and supporters.
It was one of a series of Alliance outputs in 2013 which sought to stimulate the demand for and use of evidence through promotion of best practice and learning. We have since updated some of the content of ‘Squaring the Circle’ in preparing our joint submission with the Alliance for Useful Evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee for Communities and Local Government (January 2015).
The Alliance for Useful Evidence has now over 2,000 members. It was set up by Nesta, the Economic and Social Research Council and the Big Lottery Fund to “champion the use of and demand for evidence that is rigorous, accessible and appropriate”. The Alliance is working with SOLACE (the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives), and our paper was informed by participation in the 2012 SOLACE Summit.
Nesta are partners with the Cabinet Office and ESRC in setting up a network of What Works Centres, including one for Local Economic Growth, in an initiative launched in March 2013.