Harnessing data for regional impact: empowering local leaders to drive change
21 May
Devolution is one of the core missions of the new government, promising a strong focus on giving local areas more control over services. To tackle economic inactivity, and with many people across the UK needing support, it’s vital that local authorities deliver effective, targeted interventions. The success of tailored, region-specific approaches depends on how well local areas can harness data to drive change.
Local organisations, from Mayoral Combined Authorities to county councils, need to deliver these crucial services. Accessing and using the data insights required to implement efficient and effective programmes is a challenge and, without localised data, decision making can become less accurate. This leads to inefficient resource allocation and missed opportunities to reach those who need help the most.
Data analysis offers the key to overcoming these challenges. By harnessing the power of local data, authorities can get the accurate insights they need to target support where it will be most effective. With the right insights, local areas can design and deliver services that are more tailored, timely and impactful, ensuring the right residents get the right support at the right time.
Proven results from current data led initiatives already show the transformative potential of this approach.
Listen back to hear from guest speakers who have successfully implemented data driven campaigns. They will showcase real world examples of how they have come together to achieve measurable outcomes.
We also explored how these data insights can be applied to address key issues like economic inactivity, youth unemployment and social isolation to deliver lasting change across regions.
Listen back to hear
- Strategic context: Jonathan Flowers, Consultant, Policy in Practice
- Managing reorganisation and making data work across systems: Nigel Blair, Head of Strategy at NEC Software Solutions
- Impact results from four local authorities: Mandy Fathers, Business Manager - Environmental, Welfare & Revenue Service, Publica
- Harnessing data for local impact with the Better Off platform: Sam Fathers, Head of Commercial Development, (South and Wales), Policy in Practice
- Discussion and Q&A
Guest speakers
Listen back to our speakers
There’s going to be a lot of mess around this, but we need to focus on the core benefits. Data integration can make a real difference and those who come to it late will realise they’ve missed a trick. It’s about asking: 'What will you wish you had started doing today?"
Reducing poverty and maximising income requires more than data. It demands early collaboration with communities, strategic partnerships and wraparound services. The LIFT dashboard helps us target support where it's needed most, but it’s the joint effort that turns insight into impact.
If this is followed through, it’s only phase one of wider local government reorganisation. I think we’re in for a decade before this really settles down.
