Case study: King's Lynn & West Norfolk Council
We provide King's Lynn & West Norfolk Council with research and consultancy services, Place Profiles and access to Local Knowledge and SMART Observatory.
Kings Lynn and West Norfolk has a large coastal frontage and is located on the north coast of Norfolk. It is a mainly rural area, comprising the urban area of King's Lynn itself, together with 102 surrounding parishes. The district has a population of 135,345 in 58,338 households. The Council has a SMART Observatory, but has drawn on the full range of Local Futures services over the last seven years.
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"Local Futures have developed our partnership system (DAWN), based on Local Knowledge. It saves time and money in sourcing data and adds value by providing an overarching analysis of our place, encouraging joined-up thinking and action." Ian Burbidge, Policy and Performance Manager, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council
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The King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council partnership, led by the local Council, have been active users of Local Futures’ services for a number of years. In the early years Local Futures supplied a range of research and consultancy services that helped them to develop a long-term vision for the future of the Borough. We provided benchmarking and monitoring studies on a number of occasions and have presented the findings at conferences and away days, helping to create a shared understanding amongst partner organisations of the key issues and challenges faced. On several occasions we have provided futures and scenario-planning workshops, helping to create a shared vision for the future of the Borough.
The partnership has also been an active user of our Local Knowledge and SMART Observatory services. First developed in 2005, DAWN (Data About West Norfolk) has been used as a shared evidence base to underpin a range of partnership activities. In addition to Local Futures data the Council has included a wide range of their own locally sourced data. As partner organisations have become more familiar with the service they too have added data, providing a comprehensive evidence base for use across the partnership. By having access to the services online, the Council has been able to produce its own monitoring reports and undertake in-depth studies of particular issues.
The Council has also been an active user of Place Profiles. These computer generated reports have been provided at a district and ward level, helping the Council tell a ‘story of place’ and ensure resources are focused on addressing key challenges.
Local Futures is currently carrying out a major upgrade to DAWN, incorporating its new software and ‘Total Place’ maps. Place Profiles will also be made available online, ensuring the Council and its partners have the very latest data and analysis at their fingertips.