Newsletter, September 2017 No Images? Click here Hi there, In this month's newsletter, you can find:
New feature: View time series data in charts and tables in LG Inform PlusTime series data allows you to observe trends over time, and we're pleased to announce that the new line charts in LG Inform Plus allow you to show data from multiple time periods. We've also added the option to show data for multiple periods to existing bar charts and tables. It's especially useful for any reports you may check on frequently. As an example, the below chart shows residential property sales by accommodation in Telegraph Hill, Lewisham. Other examples include You can start showing time series data in charts by editing the components of your existing reports or creating new components, using the 'Period' tab to select the number of periods you'd like to show. The latest available period will always be shown. Wakefield use the direct data feed for Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA)Wakefield Council's JSNA and Observatory web sites have merged to establish a new data and information resource about the health of local people and the broader characteristics of the district and neighbourhoods in which they live. Created by the council's intelligence officers, it utilises our direct data feed (API) and reports from LG Inform Plus alongside data from Public Health England and other central government sources. 'The JSNA serves to provide health professionals with a detailed set of intelligence about people's health, but now also acts a Local Information System for data on housing, the economy, skills, etc.,' says Peter Shepherd, Intelligence Officer at Wakefield Council. 'The advantage in using the API is that we can design our web pages to always pull down the latest data, in real-time, freeing us from the business of having to store and update datasets ourselves. Using the API also leaves us with a lot of flexibility in how we then visualise the data and gives us the ability to combine indicators and build our own custom aggregations and rates.' The team used Google Visualization tools to display the data, which come with a lot of customisation options helping to establish a consistent style across the Wakefield JSNA website and State of the District Report (PDF). If you'd like to learn how your organisation could implement the API for a project, don't hesitate to get in touch with the support team. Brownfield land – help meeting the DCLG requirementAuthorities are required to issue their first publication listing brownfield land under the the Town and Country Planning (Brownfield Land Register) Regulations 2017 by the end of December 2017. Our Brownfield Land schema page has links to documents that explain how data must be published and tools which help you check it. Our pages will show data from each council as and when it is published so you can see what other councils are doing. We've also updated the Local Government Services List with the Brownfield land register service, and an update to Powers & Duties will be published shortly. Understanding the views of residents – resource launchThe LGA recently added 'Understanding the views of residents: an introduction to surveys and consultation' to its library of online resources, a new resource designed to help councils assess resident satisfaction and pinpoint areas in need of improvement. There is also advice on how to run a cost-effective and representative residents' survey by following our Are You Being Served? survey methodology – which can help to save time and also allows you to benchmark your findings against the national picture to see how your council compares. The results of our regular national resident satisfaction survey are now available, showing what communities across the country think about local government and the services it provides. A regional breakdown of the national results will be available in LG Inform shortly. Training and eventsBook your place on one of our popular training days using the links below. You can learn what's available, how to use the tools, and ask us any questions you may have.
If you'd prefer a live demonstration from the comfort of your desk, join one of our online webinars. We'll take you through the most popular features of both tools and there's also opportunity to ask questions. They're a great way to refresh your knowledge. For more information or to book your place, visit our Online Training pages. As ever, we're always interested to hear your ideas for improving the tools and would love to hear from you, so don't hesitate to get in touch by replying to this newsletter. |