Creating a Data-Driven Future for Brent
Brent is a dynamic and diverse borough, yet it faces complex challenges such as health disparities, housing shortages, and educational gaps. The council’s mission is to ensure that every resident has access to the services and opportunities they need to thrive. However, traditional approaches to service delivery often have limitations, lacking the precision needed to address the root causes of these issues.
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To meet this challenge, Brent Council has developed a framework that provides a clear, evidence-based picture of how well communities across the borough are performing on the social indicators that matter most, such as education, health, safety, and opportunity. The aim is to ensure that every decision made by the council is guided by robust data, enabling smarter, more targeted interventions that truly respond to the needs of residents.
Strategic Integration Across Council Functions
Brent Council partnered with Impera Analytics, a leader in “data-for-good” solutions, to develop a tailored data model for the borough. This collaboration focused on creating a multi-layered framework that captures the key social outcomes at a ward level. The action plan was clear:
Data Collection: Bringing together information from key council services such as housing, education, and social care to build a comprehensive index.
Analysis: Running statistical tests to uncover trends and root causes, enabling the council to pinpoint where interventions are most needed.
Visualisation: Developing user-friendly dashboards that provide clear insights for council members, enabling them to make data-driven decisions that impact their wards.
Engagement: Training stakeholders and launching roadshows to introduce the tool to community groups and ensure that residents can access the insights generated.
By creating a centralised platform for data analysis and insights, Brent is aligning this model with its borough plan, ensuring that every initiative is measurable and can be adjusted based on real-time information.
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Impact: A Path to Long-Term Progress
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Though still in its early stages, the impact is already evident. Brent Council now has the ability to make more informed decisions, identifying areas where interventions can be most effective. Over the next several months, the model will continue to evolve, helping the council:
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Prioritise Resources: By focusing investments where they will have the most significant impact.
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Prevent Crises: Spotting early signs of social challenges before they escalate.
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Empower Communities: Giving residents access to anonymised, ward-level data, enabling them to advocate for their needs and participate in the decision-making process.
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Looking ahead, this approach will not only support long-term progress in Brent but also set a new standard for how local authorities can use data to create meaningful change. By bringing together purpose, action, and impact, Brent is becoming a borough where every resident can thrive.