Research and statistics

We place a strong emphasis on the need for evidence based policy and reliable performance management.

The Community Strategy, Corporate Plan, Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, Local Area Agreement and other policies are all informed by research activity and make use of statistics to monitor progress.

Research covers a wide variety of areas aimed at providing the information needed for the Council and our partners to understand the needs of local people and plan services accordingly.

We work with other Council departments and external partners to ensure effective research, which is linked to the priority themes for the borough.

Research and statistics are needed to:

Understand the social and economic environment in which the Council is operating as a basis for effective strategy and vision for the well-being of the borough
Understand the problems and needs of local communities as a basis for effective policies and services
Increase awareness of alternative approaches as a basis for innovation and change in policy, service delivery and management and organisation
Understand the views of local citizens and other stakeholders about the services and activities of the Council
Promote involvement and participation of citizens through research processes understanding the impact of strategies, policies, programmes and services on the well-being of communities and the locality
Consider the effectiveness of services or activities on well-being
Provide the evidence base to assist councillors and senior managers in deciding priorities

Research Digest

The Research Digest is produced by the Research Team to act as a central source of information on the outcomes of national, regional and local research, produced on a monthly basis. A short summary of the research and findings are given together with a link to the full report and listed under specific areas of interest; Education & Training; Older People; Health; Inequality, Poverty & Well being; Labour Market; Housing; BME; Other. Copies can be viewed in the Downloads Area.