RO outcomes paper

This paper outlines the key outcomes that ARO members wish to deliver in support of national, regional and subregional partners, to ensure that policy and strategy development are better informed by better evidence.

Regional Observatories are known for holding or signposting regional and, increasingly, subregional data and intelligence. However, the real added value of the resources of the Regional Observatories lies in their ability to analyse and interpret this data and intelligence, contextualise it and highlight its relevance in relation to national, regional or local policy drivers.

The following examples demonstrate occasions on which illustrate where regional observatories are able to contribute to the development of better policy.

Regionally, sub-regionally, locally

Introduction of a single regional strategy - in support of those with the statutory responsibility to produce such a strategy, the co-ordination of a robust evidence base to underpin the single regional strategy; subsequent review and monitoring of delivery of the regional strategy.

The Local Economic Assessment duty – facilitation of working between local authorities, subregional groupings and the RDA to ensure that Local Economic Assessments are based on robust evidence, and reflect local nuances within a framework that enables aggregation and comparability between localities.

Local Area Agreements – development of an agreed evidence base between Local Authorities and Government Offices for Local Area Agreements used for the negotiation of targets.

Regional Skills Partnerships – analysis of skills performance to inform actions by members of the RSP.

Nationally

CLG – observatories offer an effective mechanism for discussion and agreement on key issues, such as indicators for LAAs.

BERR - ARO members are a source of analysis of key data and intelligence around the economic downturn.

DIUS - provision of independent analysis to inform decisions such as University Challenge.

DCSF – analysis to support the MoG changes around 14-19 provision.

It is important to note that, while  it is an aspiration of all ARO members to deliver tangible outcomes on behalf of regional partners, not all ARO members are currently able to operate at this level of outcomes, as there are variations across the country in both capacity and resources. Nevertheless,

Ways of working with regional observatories

Regional observatories have significant experience of data use and analysis and offer a wide range of specialisms, and can:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->advise on data availability and robustness. 

• provide guidance on the analytical techniques used to interrogate different sorts of information and data.
• undertake bespoke commissioned research, including additional survey work or data-gathering, analysis of key indicators, and provision of, for example, a full local economic assessment with commentary.
• offer advice and guidance on commissioning research, including drawing up a brief, interviewing consultants and reviewing output.
• advise on how to present data, and provide advice on how to draw out the implications and commentary on such data. 
• direct local, sub-regional and regional partners to appropriate training or provide training in these areas, in conjunction with other agencies such as their RIEP, as appropriate.
• review materials such as local economic assessments, providing commentary and advice on the information and its analysis, based on an understanding of RDA priority factors.
• provide a point of contact to other appropriate sources of research expertise, such as RDAs, ONS Regional Statisticians, Learning and Skills Councils and others.

An example: Local Economic Assessments

The proposed introduction of a duty to undertake local economic assessments provides a number of challenges for those charged with undertaking the assessment, and those who will have regard to the findings, such as RDAs. The examples below demonstrate areas in which regional observatories can deliver outcomes in support of the duty.

The information gathered by the assessment will also be used to inform other strategies and policies, with ROs facilitating the flow of information to underpin the regional strategy, LAAs, the development of 14-19 provision, addressing the economic downturn and other areas.

Network facilitation

Regional observatories can support and facilitate networks of sub-regional partners and can act as a conduit for information and advice. Much benefit can be gained by utilising and developing these networks, to provide local authorities with a neutral space in which they are able to come together for discussions about issues of common interest, and for the sharing of good practice, for example, in preparation of local economic assessments. Potential outcomes are:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Greater understanding across local authorities of common issues, gaps in intelligence, good and bad practice.

Regional observatories can provide a forum for joint commissioning, and for discussion of topics such as appropriate definitions, limitations or availability of data, and use of tools and techniques.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Agreement on a joint approach, and the common use of indicators

Local authorities and RDAs recognise the value of agreeing a consistent approach when assessing local economies, to provide some comparability, and to enable the information to feed into the regional strategy evidence base. ARO suggests that ROs can lead discussion between LAs, and with other partners such as RDAs and the Regional Planning Body, on how to achieve a common approach. For example, partners may adopt a consistent methodology, or by agree to use a small number of indicators common to all LAs within a region. ROs can also advise LAs on data availability and robustness for the indicators chosen to form part of a local economic assessment, and advise on the data available to support common indicators.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Closer working between LAs and other regional partners

In the development of a local economic assessment, LAs will need to work with other regional partners such as the RDA, Learning and Skills Council, Jobcentre Plus and others. The space for discussion facilitated by regional observatories provides an effective way of engaging with those partners.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Greater sub-regional collaboration

In some areas, it may make sense for LAs to work together in order to gain an understanding of a local economy which transcends administrative boundaries. Across the region, where LAs share common issues, there may be scope for collaborative working. Regional observatories can facilitate joint working to achieve efficiencies and avoid duplication, and could take an active role in leading and managing joint commissioning as appropriate.

In supporting local economic assessments, the Association itself could offer support and guidance for generic research skills and questions, modelled on the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment support pack put together by the Association of Public Health Observatories (http://www.apho.org.uk/resource/view.aspx?RID=53885). To reduce duplication of effort across the regions, ARO would gather guidance on commonly raised questions, providing access to the resources to all local authorities. ARO would work in partnership with the ONS Centre for Regional and Local Statistics to produce those resources, and provisional agreement has been received from ONS to collaborate on this project. 

Regional contacts