Research
Research covers a range of activities to develop, assess and interpret the evidence-base to support local decision-making. Local government research is varied and includes projects using a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, for example:
- analysing the wealth of data held by local authorities and their partners, to help them improve their service delivery, identify trends and plan for the future
- analysing and presenting performance data in an easily understandable way
- developing and conducting research projects, e.g. surveys of residents or clients to ensure that services meet their needs and outcomes reflect their priorities
- synthesising and interpreting research and analysis to inform authorities about the latest evidence and learning for the services they deliver
- producing briefing papers and reports
- commissioning and managing research
- developing tools such as local information systems which help public service partners and the public understand their local areas and how services are being delivered
IS activity in this area
The IS works closely with research colleagues across the Scottish public sector on many of our projects. On our website we publish information about significant research reports and research activities of relevance to Scottish local government - in our news, library, events and information sources sections.
There is an active Analysis, Intelligence and Research (AIR) community with an online collaboration space which enables collaborative working and sharing of information about analysis, intelligence and research. The community is focussed on researchers and analysts working with or within Scottish local government. The AIR community is jointly facilitated by LARIA in Scotland and the Improvement Service.
