Sitra has published its guidance on a common data framework for housing related support services.
The collection of information on what services are needed and how they make a difference to people’s lives is key to guide purchasing decisions by local authorities and individuals and monitor achievement by service providers.
Sitra’s consultation with the housing related support sector last year showed strong support from commissioners, providers and clients of services for streamlined, nationally consistent information on service provision.
Sitra has been working with sector expert reference groups to develop the guidance on a common data framework and establish the basis for an annual national call for data.
Software suppliers have been engaged in the consultation to help ensure that improvements fit with current systems. Sitra has also worked with the Centre for Housing Research atSt Andrewswhose client records and outcomes data collection will continue to feed in to many local systems.
Housing Minister Grant Shapps said: “I have made clear that whilst central
government is keen to ensure councils are not burdened with endless requests for data and information, I support providers of Supporting People services and the authorities who commission them in finding their own way of supplying data.
“So I welcome Sitra’s guidance on a common framework, which will guide the
providers of Supporting People services and councils to ensure they deliver the best possible help to vulnerable people”
Vic Rayner, Sitra’s chief executive, said: “The message to Sitra from the sector was “Keep on collecting data, we need it, we use it, we value its strategic relevance”. Sitra is pleased to continue to work with the sector to make sure the right suite of data informs the future of housing related support.”
The common data framework is published alongside detailed guidance and a workbook for practitioners. Local authority commissioners and provider organisations can take advantage of this resource for their data collection in 2012 and 2013.
The work which has been done to identify core data items, strip out duplication and clarify definitions will save staff time, enabling data to be collected more efficiently and consistently.
This robust data source will support individual purchasing choices. Its use will also support local authorities’ approach to Open Data and responses to Freedom of Information requests.
The common data framework publications are available on Sitra’s website.
For more information contact Lucy Woodbine or Glynis Sampey on 020 7793 4711 or email spdata@sitra.org
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