http://www.esd.org.uk/Esdtoolkit/Communities/LIS/ContentView.aspx?ContentType=Content-372. Materials from the LIS networking event on 29 January at which the tool was launched are also available - http://www.esd.org.uk/esdtoolkit/Communities/LIS/ContentView.aspx?ContentType=Content-308
The research that informed the development of the tool was carried out with local authorities in England. With this in mind, the Improvement Service has recently asked Rocket Science to create a version of the tool more relevant to Scotland. This will make specific reference to the datasets in Scotland, the drivers behind the need to develop a LIS in Scotland and use specific examples of practice in Scotland. This is an important time as we look at planning around the Single Outcome Agreements and the requirements of partners to access and use information to support this. The key objectives of this project are to:
- review the current content and terminology of the toolkit against the Scottish context;
- identify areas and content for change/update to the toolkit to reflect the context i.e. terminology of geography, strategies, plans and policies e.g. LAA to SOA;
- gather additional insight into the considerations of developing a LIS within Scotland. For example, to locate the data requirements noted in the toolkit within a Scottish context, taking account of the national (SOA) outcomes and indicators, guidance and related LIS issues such as the requirements associated with reporting across Community Planning Partnerships;
- gather any additional examples or practice from existing LIS in Scotland to build into the tool.
Just to be absolutely clear, the work will not develop any new Local Information System. Rather it will result in the production of a toolkit, tailored to circumstances in Scotland, which will be of use to local partners who wish to develop / refine their own LIS. The toolkit can help local authorities (and their partners) to develop a rationale, scope and delivery plan for setting up or developing a LIS. Equally those authorities already with a LIS in place can use the tool to appraise the development of their LIS to date and when reviewing the existing processes and structures in place to support the LIS.
The project will be delivered by Rocket Science who will work with contacts in a number of Scottish councils to gather experience and examples of useful practice to feed into the redevelopment of the toolkit and to pilot it.
If you would be interested to share your knowledge of work you have done in this area please contact Andrew McGuire on 01506 775568. There will be opportunities to find out more about the toolkit once the adaptation for Scotland has been completed.
