Collecting Local Indicators
May 14 2003
In the UK ATP and MORI have been awarded a contract by the ODPM to develop a package that will support local authorities as they collect the survey-based data that is required for the 2003/4 Best Value Performance Indicators.
Every local authority in England will be undertaking up to five surveys (the exact number will depend on the functions of the authority). These cover a general survey of residents, as well as planning applicants, benefits recipients, tenants and library users.
The work involves the development of a web-based tool to support councils throughout the survey process, including:
- Carrying out the surveys - through on-line advice, downloadable questionnaires and a sampling facility
- Collating the results - ensuring that the data is supplied in a common format that will facilitate analysis at a national and local level
- Reporting the results - providing best practice advice of how to make use of the findings, including standard templates that can be applied locally.
The website was launched as a resource for authorities in March and over 1200 users have now registered to use it.
Raz Khan, Managing Director of ATP Limited said: 'We are looking forward to working with the Department to develop a resource that will make life easier for authorities, and to ensure that consistent and easily accessible data is collected.'
'The work we will be doing under this contract aims to offer a one-stop shop for authorities on BVPIs' added Ben Page, Director of the MORI Social Research Institute. 'The surveys provide valuable on the ground opportunities for analysis of public perceptions, and this will help ensure that authorities are able to make the most of the findings.'
MORI is currently working with the Department to develop the questionnaire template and research design to be adopted in the general and benefits surveys later this year.
All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.
