How to interpret local government research data and get people to act on it
A unique opportunity to spend a day with the UK’s most respected public sector research authority
You must know it from experience. These days it’s hard - often downright frustrating - if you’re responsible for policy and research in local government.
- You often have to fight tooth and nail for senior people to listen and act on your findings
- Sometimes you may even struggle to get your own colleagues to listen - and work with you, not against you
- You have to find the money and the people to get your research done
- You have to keep up with best practice
- You have to manage staff turnover so skills and knowledge aren’t lost when people leave
- You have to keep a handle on what research is being done in your organisation so there is no wasteful duplication
- You have to ensure your organization learns from and acts on its research
Quite a litany of problems. But here is the antidote. A once-a-year opportunity you and your colleagues should not miss. Because Ben Page, Managing Director of Ipsos MORI puts it all in perspective – revealing things you won’t hear from anyone else – in a style you won’t find in anyone else.
Ben is a rare individual. He operates at both the coalface of local government research and at national level. He can tell you what’s around the corner for local authorities and what they must do to stay ahead of the game. In fact the Local Government Chronicle has just named him the 11th most influential person in local government today.
Ben has personally overseen hundreds of research projects over the last decade. But he is also at the heart of central government policy making. He has been an adviser to the Cabinet Office since 1992, and he works with No 10 Downing Street Policy Unit. So he knows your problems, but he also knows what you can expect because he can see the big picture as well.
He is a terrific speaker, widely regarded as the best there is on local government research. He gets and keeps your attention, is extremely funny, and has an extraordinary ability to make even the most mundane statistic come alive and tell a story.
And this day is a rare opportunity because you have him for the day - which you won’t get elsewhere.
Because he is one of the top UK speakers he is very much in demand. He never does more than short speaking slots at conferences. He simply can’t spare the time to do more, apart from this once a year engagement for us.
Apart from anything else the workshop will be priceless, because according to Ipsos MORI, a staggering half of local government research is wasted. Not just staggering, but worrying. After all, if the research is inadequate, how can you assess or manage your performance properly.
Under the new CAA 2005, there is a much harder examination of how well local authorities consult and involve, and a bigger focus on perception measures.
With BVPI data now available, and a compulsory new bi-annual resident survey from September for all English authorities, this workshop examines why so much research is wasted, how you can succeed in your authority, and how to best use your resources.
As you probably know, IpsosMORI is the leading research organisation working with local government. They are uniquely placed to reveal where things go wrong, and more importantly how you can prevent them doing so on your watch.
So you can see why I feel Ben Page’s annual workshop for us is so valuable. He knows more. He can tell you more. He answers all the relevant questions. And as I say, he really is highly entertaining.
Ben believes deeply in the good local government research can bring. But he also believes deeply that its findings and benefits need to be communicated properly. He shows you how to do it.
Here are some of the things I am sure must concern you about your research findings – and which he covers in his unique style.
How do you know what really matters? Which bits of data are relevant, which not? Which findings are important - and which should you ignore? And what is the data really telling you anyway? How do you know what is a good rating for your services and what is a bad one?
And there is more. How do you compare with other organizations? How can you really tell you are getting better, or worse, for that matter? How do you decide what action to take? And how do you get your message across?
In a fast-moving day, Ben introduces you to the tactical and strategic use of survey research and consultation, both essential to performance management. The day draws on the latest trends in local government and the key drivers of success in consultation, as well as the latest research by Ipsos MORI on the impact of media coverage on public attitudes.
You discover how to develop a more intelligent approach to both research and consultation processes, remembering that your resources may be limited. And how to ensure your knowledge of staff, public and user perceptions can best develop policy and improve services.
Other important questions Ben covers are:
- What you do and don’t need in terms of research
- How to know which bits of data matter and which don’t
- How to discover what your data is really telling you
- How to work up a compelling story with your research findings
- What the Audit Commission will be looking for
- Why many councils are rejecting Panels – and why others use them
- When should you worry?
- When should you ignore results?
- Why most research is ignored or forgotten
- How to consult over budget setting and to what extent should you encourage the public to participate?
- Citizen engagement and how to go beyond consultation and research so that you involve the public in local decision making
As I have already said, Ben brings to the day a wealth of knowledge and good practice to assist you in meeting your need for policies and decisions that are based on sound, properly analysed evidence.
What delegates say about this course and trainer
"Helped me think about the bigger picture. Know the story and be a good presenter."
Rajinder Gomez, Research Support Officer, London Borough of Lambeth
"The course gave me general tips for telling stories with research data, ensuring it has an impact."
Beverley Wilson, Research Manager, Chester City Council
"Really useful tips and reminders."
Lee Ramsden, Consultant Analyst, London Borough of Bromley
"Lots of good information and tips."
Stephen Robbins, Research and Development Officer, Stoke on Trent City Council
"I was a blank slate but this has helped me to know what I am looking at and how to use it."
Chris Wade, Customer Services Manager, London Borough of Havering
"Made me think about what research I do and gave me ideas of ways to present it more effectively."
Jo Hansell, Economic Development Researcher, Eastleigh Borough Council
"I fully expected to gain a great deal from Ben Page’s insights and experience, and was not mistaken."
Richard Partridge, Performance Officer, London Borough of Havering
“Excellent speaker – makes you feel enthusiastic about consultation.”
Stuart Elrick, Maldon District Council
“Excellent, dynamic presentation. Lots of useful information and different ways to think about things. Good course, helpful and useful.”
Karen Sweeney, Rotherham MBC
“As always Ben has been superb. The course content was very relevant. It was good to share experiences with colleagues.”
Phil Wilson, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames