Connected Communities
Local Futures is involved in the exciting Connected Communities project. So far, over 50 councils all over the UK have subscribed to the programme but the number is growing by the day. We are working together with The Leadership Centre for Local Government, The Campaign Company and Westco. The aim of the project is to give local councils a much deeper understanding of the drivers for low community cohesion in some parts of the community, and of the values and behaviours of people.
We are using Local Knowledge and the geodemographic OAC classification to provide a sound evidence base, culminating in a summary place profile for every local authority involved, which gives a comprehensive overview of their social, environmental and economic situation. In addition, we model their local Place Survey data into OAC.
This project is a prime example of how OAC can be used: in conjunction with the national, regional and local data we already hold in Local Knowledge, modeling hyperlocal Place Survey data into OAC gives the councils a more robust and detailed view of their customers, citizens and communities. This means they can be more effective in their cohesion and engagement activities, delivering better services and saving money in the process.
The initial responses have been extremely positive. Our new summary place profile has been welcomed, especially by high-level policy makers, and our OAC modeling is really bringing the possibilities of OAC alive. We hope this project is not just an excellent launch of our summary place profiles, but also a stimulant for every local authority to make better use of OAC.
If you have any questions about this project, or you would like to know more about place profiles or OAC and how we can help you, please do not hesitate to contact us.