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Social Progress Index – Brent Council

Brent Council partnered with Impera Analytics to develop a customised Social Progress Index (SPI). The SPI offers data-driven insights on social indicators such as education, health, and safety. Brent Council uses this data to make informed decisions addressing education, health, and housing issues in its communities.

Challenges

Brent is a diverse borough with various challenges, such as:

  • Health disparities
  • Housing shortages
  • Educational gaps

The council’s goal is to ensure all residents access necessary services and opportunities. However, traditional service delivery methods sometimes fall short in addressing the underlying causes of these challenges effectively.

Approach

Impera Analytics collaborated with Brent Council to develop a bespoke SPI model with the aim of addressing local issues by creating a multi-layered data model that captures critical social outcomes (education, health, safety, and opportunity) at the ward level. The SPI ensures decisions are data-driven, allowing for precise interventions that meet residents’ needs.

The action plan included:

  • Data collection: Integrating data from key council services such as housing, education, and social care to build a comprehensive index.
  • Analysis: Conducting statistical tests to identify trends and root causes, enabling the council to determine where interventions are most needed.
  • Visualisation: Creating user-friendly dashboards that provide clear insights for council members, allowing them to make informed, data-driven decisions that impact their wards.
  • Engagement: Training stakeholders and organising roadshows to introduce the SPI tool to community groups, ensuring residents have access to the generated insights.

By establishing a centralised tool for data analysis and insights, Brent is aligning the SPI with its borough plan, ensuring that every initiative is measurable and can be adjusted based on real-time data.

Outcomes and benefits

The SPI is already making a difference for Brent Council by enabling informed decisions and identifying effective intervention areas. In the coming months, the SPI will help the council:

  • Prioritise resources where impact is highest.
  • Prevent crises by spotting early signs of social challenges.
  • Empower communities with ward-level data for advocacy and participation.

The SPI aims to support long-term progress in Brent, setting a standard for local authorities using data to drive meaningful change and enhance residents’ wellbeing.

View the original case study at impera-analytics.com