How Lichfield District Council Uses Data to Improve Place-Based Decision Making
Lichfield District Council (LDC) faced numerous challenges, including a lack of understanding of population outcomes, low data maturity, and the need for evidence supporting a Health in All Policies approach. Impera was enlisted to develop a ward-level data framework and provide training to key staff and councillors.
Strategic Integration Across Council Functions
The objectives were:
​
-
Develop a comprehensive ward-level framework to understand population outcomes.
-
Enhance data maturity within LDC and establish a culture of data sharing.
-
Provide an evidence base for a Health in All Policies approach.
-
Establish a baseline measurement for the Lichfield Manifesto.
-
Inform the Local Plan through data-driven insights.
​
Impera developed the following solutions:
​
-
Ward-Level Framework: Designed and implemented a comprehensive model to capture key social outcomes, accessible at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/council/social-progress-index.
-
Data Sharing Agreement: Facilitated a data-sharing agreement between LDC and Staffordshire County Council, enabling the exchange of anonymised data on adult social care usage and education outcomes for children in Lichfield.
-
Training and Workshops: Delivered comprehensive training sessions for key staff and all councillors, and conducted workshops with local partners including health partners, civic society, and the chamber of commerce.
​
The outcomes were both internal and external. Data standards were improved and a culture of data sharing across internal teams was established. Strong relationships between LDC and Staffordshire County Council fostered effective data exchange, enabling predictive analytics using the dataset.
Impera’s strategic interventions not only addressed the specific challenges faced by LDC but also fostered a collaborative environment, enhancing both internal processes and external relationships. The ward-level framework now stands as a vital tool for informed decision-making, promoting transparency, and supporting initiatives that positively impact the community.