Local Authority Research Council Initiative
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, better informed policy and practice.
LARCI Newsletter Winter 2007/08
www.larci.org.uk 2 LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007/08
Welcome Contents
Welcome to the Winter 2007/08 Welcome ...... 2 issue of the LARCI Newsletter. Contents...... 2 *Raising standards across our schools.... 3 *Improving quality of life of older people.. 3 This quarterly newsletter is used to *Improving quality of life of children, young raise awareness of research, people and families at risk ...... 3 funded by the Research Councils, *Promoting healthier communities and of interest and practical use to narrowing health inequalities ...... 5 *Creating safer and stronger communities those working with and within local ...... 5 government. The newsletter also *Transforming our local environment...... 7 includes details of opportunities to *Meeting local transport needs more become involved in Research effectively ...... 10 Council programme development *Promoting the economic vitality of localities ...... 10 and collaborative ventures, and Collaborative Funding...... 11 flags-up collaborative funding Events ...... 12 opportunities. Details of research Focus on….LARCI...... 13 and events from other Focus on…. local government ...... 14 organisations relevant to LARCI Focus on …. the Research Councils ..... 16 Useful links...... 18 are also included. Collaboration Opportunities ...... 19 Your Ideas...... 19 Information has been laid out to align with the Local Government Association's Shared Priorities where possible (identified with an asterisk*).
For more information about LARCI, visit our website: www.larci.org.uk
The Local Authority Research Council Initiative (LARCI) was established in 1997 to bring local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership. LARCI aims to facilitate communication between the Research Councils and local authorities at a strategic and operational level, leading to better informed research, policy and practice.
LARCI operates through a Steering Group comprising representatives of the following Research Councils, local and central government: Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC); Audit Commission; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG); Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC); Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC); Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA); Local Authorities Research + Intelligence Association (LARIA); Local Government Association (LGA); Medical Research Council (MRC); Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Research Councils UK (RCUK).
Cover photograph: Kennett and Avon Canal, Bath. © February 2004, Si Chun Lam
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007 3
*Improving quality of life of older *Raising standards across our people schools Living Arrangement, Health and Practical Research for Education Wellbeing: A European Perspective
The publication published twice yearly Ageing populations are an increasing keeps teachers, head teachers and local issue for the Western world. The authority staff up to date with the latest proportion of people over aged sixty is research into all aspects of education, growing plus there has been a rise in older focusing on its practical applications. men and women living alone and a decline Providing research projects combined with in those living with children or relatives. A case studies of small-scale investigations; new study, funded by the ESRC, analysed this publication is especially suitable for the impact of living alone, with a spouse or local authority staff with responsibility for with others on the health and happiness of liaison with schools and for higher older people and how it varies within education institutions that run teacher Europe and in England and Wales. training courses or degrees in education. Further information can be found at: Further information can be found at: http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCIn http://www.nfer.ac.uk/publications/topic.cf foCentre/PO/releases/2007/november/livin m g.aspx?ComponentId=24576&SourcePag eId=17700 Getting to Grips with Assessment International Longevity Centre (ILC-UK) Primary is a series of 12 leaflets for teachers and others interested in The ILC-UK is an independent, non- assessment. This series of leaflets partisan think-tank dedicated to provides information about this high-profile addressing issues of longevity, ageing and area of teaching and learning, and gives population change. On the 28 November advice from practitioners. Among other 2007 a new policy brief has been launched things, the leaflets address formative and on ‘Successful Ageing and Social summative assessment methods, how to Interaction’. handle performance data and teacher assessment of performance, and how to Further information and publications can make best use of test and other data. It is be found at: proving popular with local authorities. http://www.ilcuk.org.uk/
Further information can be found at: *Improving quality of life of http://www.nfer.ac.uk/research- children, young people and areas/projects/sut/sut_home.cfm families at risk Education Management Information Exchange (EMIE) Mayor’s State of London’s Children Report 2007 EMIE at National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), in The Mayor has published his latest State collaboration with Aspect, announce the of London’s Children Report (September publishing of two reports on themes from 2007). It offers an ‘observatory’ role on the IDeA Beacon Scheme Round 8. The where children’s lives are getting better or two reports; School Improvement theme worse, in national comparison and in and Healthy Schools Theme are now relation to data in the 2001 and 2004 available and are of interest to local reports, and provides a strategic overview authorities. on policy issues faced at a pan-London level in children’s services. Further information can be found at: http://www.nfer.ac.uk/emie/ The report evidences London’s high levels of child poverty and inequality as a theme running through every aspect of young Londoners’ lives and across the report
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk 4 LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007/08
themes of education, health, The Centre, which sees a total joint poverty/exclusion, social care, community investment of £2.2million over 5 years, will safety, housing and homelessness, support high quality independent research environment, sport/play, culture and aimed at influencing policy and practice transport. decisions in the UK as well as developing the necessary evidence base to better In terms of some good news, the pace of understand charitable giving and improvement in the educational attainment philanthropy issues. It also aims to help of disadvantaged children is greater in third sector organisations, government and London, particularly inner London, than in business to better understand why and other parts of the country; there has been how individuals and businesses can give, a reduction of unplanned teenage helping to increase and target giving to conceptions; and the rate of child support the public good. casualties on London’s roads has reduced. There is also evidence that Further information can be found at: London is beginning to take play and http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCIn recreation seriously. foCentre/PO/releases/2007/november/ccg p.aspx?ComponentId=24533&SourcePag Yet, major challenges remain in narrowing eId=17700 the gap in education and health outcomes for the most disadvantaged children. In Bridging the Gap between Higher particular, the particularly high child Education and the Public poverty rates in inner London, where around half of all children (51 per cent) live Members of the public will soon be able to in poverty, are out of place alongside the play a more interactive role in the capital’s dynamic economic success. important work of higher education institutions, thanks to a new £9.2 million The report conclusion sets out critical initiative – Beacons for Public challenges, which focus on tackling Engagement. inequalities for the most disadvantaged children; reducing child poverty, as the Funded by the UK Higher Education single most important determinant of Funding Councils (HEFCE) and Research outcomes for children; ensuring adequate Councils UK (RCUK), and supported by funding for services; and prioritising the the Wellcome Trust, it is the biggest issues that matter to children and young initiative ever launched to support public people. engagement throughout the UK. It brings together a number of different funders with The full report – as well as individual the common goal of achieving a more chapters, a summary and child-friendly joined up and embedded approach to version – can be downloaded via: public engagement. www.london.gov.uk/mayor/children/solc.js p Further information can be found at: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/news/beaconsnov07 For more information or printed copies, .htm please contact [email protected] Guide to Local Authority Surveys of Children and Young People's well- Centre for Charitable Giving and being Philanthropy – successful bids announced This guide is intended to provide information about the approaches local The ESRC, Office of the Third Sector in authorities have taken to gathering the Cabinet Office, The Carnegie UK Trust information about aspects of the life of and the Scottish Government have children and young people that contribute announced on the 7th November the to their well-being. In particular, it focuses successful bids to establish the UK’s first on the various survey instruments being independent, multidisciplinary and used to elicit children and young people's academically based Centre for Charitable views directly (the 'pupil voice'). This is a Giving and Philanthropy. free resource for all local authorities
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007 5
interested in finding out about children and could lead to quicker, less invasive young people’s well-being. surgery with shorter recovery times and reduced costs. Further information can be found at: http://www.nfer.ac.uk/research- Further information can be found at: areas/projects/eci.cfm http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/InTheNews/Repairi ngBone.htm *Promoting healthier communities and narrowing Healthcare Waste Research Project
health inequalities Whilst cases of healthcare associated infections such as MRSA and C. difficile in Bioprocessing Research Industry Club the NHS have seen a recent reduction in growth, rates in England are still high. Over one third of all drugs now under Various studies done outside of the UK, development by pharmaceutical and have suggested that the management of biotechnology companies are healthcare waste could pose a potential biopharmaceuticals. The number of danger. However, there has been limited licensed biopharmaceuticals is forecast to rigorous study undertaken within the UK. grow at a rate of around 20% per annum. However, biological products are large and In early 2008, a multi-disciplinary project complex molecules which require entitled ‘determining the links between sophisticated manufacturing methods. The healthcare waste management practices development phase is currently slow, and the risks of healthcare associated expensive and complicated and, since infections within three case study NHS speed to market is vital, there is a need for Trust, in England’ will be undertaken to new tools and methods, which will undertake an in-depth study of this issue. contribute to accelerating development. In order to address these research The project will be led by the University of challenges, BBSRC and EPSRC and Northampton (with Dr Terry Tudor as the industry have now launched a PI), and will also include researchers from Bioprocessing Research Industry Club Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS (BRIC) to support innovative Foundation Trust, and the University of bioprocessing-related research projects to Surrey. The study is being funded by the help strengthen, and develop the research National Institute for Health Research. community in this areas and improve academic-industry links. It will be a mechanistic study focusing on the spread of healthcare associated Further information can be found at: infections in the physical environment, http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/business/collaborat using a variety of research methods, ive_research/industry_clubs/bric/backgrou including interviews, questionnaires, work- nd.html shadowing, and structural systems methods. Developing New Ways of Repairing Bone For further information about the project please contact Terry Tudor at: EPSRC funded researchers at Queen’s [email protected] University Belfast and Leeds University are developing biological cements to *Creating safer and stronger repair ‘burst fractures’ of the spine. communities Bone cements are already used to treat patients who have damage caused by conditions like osteoporosis. However, Assessing the Viability of Urban ‘burst fractures’ caused by impact Housing Development incidents such as an accident or fall are more difficult to treat. They need Researchers at Nottingham Trent complicated, invasive surgery and a long University developed a system for helping stay in hospital. The team are examining local planning authorities to identify which the effects of novel cement materials for ‘brownfield’ sites are likely to be the treatment of this type of fracture. This economically viable and potentially
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk 6 LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007/08
available for housing. Their study found specifically relating to new legislation that more than a third of authorities in introduced in the Local Government and England made no assessments at all of Public Involvement in Health Act 2007. economic viability, whilst another third The guidance covers Local Strategic relied on basic ‘in house’ opinions. Partnerships, Sustainable Community Strategies, the new duty to involve, Local Further information can be found at: Area Agreements, the revised best value http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCIn regime and commissioning. The closing foCentre/Plain_English_Summaries/resear date for responses is 12 February 2008. ch_methods/quantitative/index254.aspx For further information and to respond The Past, Present and Future of online: Flexible Housing http://www.communities.gov.uk/publication s/localgovernment/statutoryguidance Housing is a British national obsession. How are we going to accommodate the Estimating the Scale and Impacts of changing needs of the population, as Migration at Local Levels higher divorce rates, more single-person headed households and an ageing LGA work programme on migration and its community all impact on the need to adjust impact on communities and local public national housing stock? services continues to develop. 'Estimating the scale and impacts of migration at the This Flexible Housing award worked on local level', preliminary research accommodating new technologies as they commissioned from the Institute of emerge, adapting to changes in people’s Community Cohesion has been well lives. Outputs include a manual for all received, as was LGA’s mid September Registered Social Landlords, funded by conference 'Talking Sense about the Housing Corporation. Migration'. LGA is currently in discussion with DCLG about future research which Further information can be found at: will provide a fuller and more in-depth http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/awards/casestudies/ analysis about local impacts on services, flexiblehousing_05_09_07.asp or at working with the Office of National http://www.flexiblehousing.org/ Statistics on possible sources and approaches to improve population Centre on Migration Policy and Society estimates, and preparing a paper for the (COMPAS) new Statistics Boards on the requirements from local authorities for national statistics. COMPAS conducts high quality research LGA is also undertaking a survey on to develop theory, inform public opinion equality of access of different ethnic and evaluate policy. The mission of groups to social housing. COMPAS is to provide a strategic, integrated approach to understanding LGA is eager to hear about any migration contemporary and future migration research currently being undertaken in dynamics across sending areas and universities and other research institutes. receiving contexts in the UK and EU. Non- This will inform any new research LGA academic users play a central role through commissions and LGA will also publicise informing research design at this ESRC new research on their website: Centre. www.lgar.local.gov.uk
Further information can be found at: For further information please contact http://www.compas.ox.ac.uk/index.html Louise Dove: [email protected] Creating Strong, Safe and Prosperous Communities Statutory Guidance: Draft for Consultation
The draft document, which is subject to consultation, provides guidance to local authorities and their partners on creating strong, safe and prosperous communities,
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007 7
*Transforming our local Towards Sustainable Energy environment The Research Councils’ Energy Programme is a major initiative tackling Climate Change the challenges of supplying energy in a secure and affordable way, while The EPSRC, ESRC and NERC funded minimising carbon dioxide emissions and Tyndall Centre for Climate Change contributing to sustainable development. Research brings together environmental The programme brings together engineers scientists, economists, engineers and and physical, natural, social and economic social scientists to develop sustainable scientists, not just to create the responses to climate change at technologies but to examine their social international, national and local level. and economic consequences.
Research includes how future water Further information can be found at: availability will affect high-value crops in www.epsrc.ac.uk/researchfunding/progra the East if England and how farmers might mmes/energy respond; detailed simulation of how erosion and sea-level rise affects the Waste Packaging Research Norfolk Coast and assessing the options; an integrated study of the vulnerability of In October Local Government Analysis London to climate change now and in the and Research (LGAR) released a report future with policies towards becoming a for the first wave of the food packaging low-carbon city; what rapid climate change study. The research was commissioned by might mean for global rainfall and water LGAR to inform the LGA’s ‘War on Waste’ resources and the role non-nations such campaign, which seeks to address the as cities, corporations and carbon-trading amount of rubbish produced and the way companies are playing in developing in which it is thrown away. A range of effective international action. common food items were purchased from eight retailers. The most environmentally A new Tyndall project is investigating how friendly retailers have low levels of people interpret and react to information packaging– a high proportion of which is about the effects of climate change recyclable: in this respect the market came presented as a virtual environment. The out best and Marks and Spencer had the system will initially be tested on the low- lowest proportion of recyclable lying Norfolk coastline around Holme-next- packaging. The summary of the report, the-sea. showing ‘before’ unwrapping and ‘after’ unwrapping photos of each retailer’s Further information can be found at: basket can be found at: http://www.tyndall.ac.uk/index.shtml or http://www.lgar.local.gov.uk/lgv/core/page. http://www.tyndall.ac.uk/publications/fact_ do?pageId=50589 or contact at: sheets/t2_43.shtml [email protected] or 020 7664 3269 Sustainable Technologies Spin Out Success Beckons Development and use of sustainable technologies will depend on the attitudes, World renowned scientists at Oxford incentives and capabilities of people and Brookes University and the Centre for organisations. The ESRC Sustainable Ecology& Hydrology have collaborated to Technologies Programme funded research launch a spin out company providing on innovation, spread and use of novel products, services and consultancy to technologies such as wind power, fuel global pharmaceutical and biotechnology cells and nanotechnology – examining, for industries. The backing and business instance, how microgeneration might be expertise of private investors have deployed, and ways of encouraging enabled the scientists to launch their consumers and energy companies to company into a bigger and wider market. invest in it. Further information can be found at: Further information can be found at: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/press/releases/2007 www.sustainabletechnologies.ac.uk /46-oet.asp
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk 8 LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007/08
Centre at the University. The CSC is a Climate Change: a Survey of Local collaborative research initiative, Authorities established jointly by the University of Sheffield and the Environment Agency. It LGAR, on behalf of the LGA, have carried draws expertise from multiple academic out a survey of council action on climate departments at Sheffield, incorporating a change. There is increasing public and real mix of disciplines from engineering political concern about climate change, through to ecology, planning and the and the results from this survey represent social sciences. a great opportunity to demonstrate the action councils are taking along with the You may like to come and learn more at challenges they face. the Catchment Science Centre's annual The research found that 92% of authorities conference, which will be held at the have a climate change strategy or policy, University of Sheffield on 6 February 2008. or are currently planning one and the top priorities for council strategies to cut Further information can be found at: climate change emissions are council’s http://www.ursula.ac.uk/ or own estate, renewable energy and http://www.shef.ac.uk/csc/news or contact greener procurement. The full report will Jenny Chambers at: be available shortly at: [email protected] http://www.lgar.local.gov.uk/lgv/core/page. do?pageId=38072 NERC funds urgency grant to survey the exceptional bloom of jellyfish off For more information about the survey the coast of N. Ireland please contact Nick Shasha on 020 7664 3290 or at [email protected]. Recent concerns that jellyfish populations A summary of results comparing trends are increasing have stimulated speculation between 2004 (when the survey was last about possible causes including climate run) and this run of the survey are also change, eutrophication, over-fishing and available. invasions. Distinct regime shifts have occurred in recent years and jellyfish have Urban River Corridors and Sustainable now succeeded fin fish as the predominant Living Agendas (URSULA) zooplankton predators in many coastal food webs. For example, in the Bering The University of Sheffield has been Sea the biomass of jellyfish increased awarded a major grant by the EPSRC, to more than 10-fold during the 1990s. look at new ways of developing the River Don corridor in South Yorkshire, to create Such community level shifts have obvious a place where people can live and work ecological and economic consequences safely, now and in the future. The idea of given that both larval and juvenile fish the URSULA project is that there are often feed upon the same prey as jellyfish. significant social, economic and This scenario was alarmingly environmental gains to be made by demonstrated in November 2007 by the integrated and innovative interventions in sudden appearance of an exceptional urban river corridors. aggregation of oceanic jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca along the Northern Irish coast The £2.5 million project is supported by causing dramatic fish kills and the Sheffield City Council and the potential collapse of salmon aquaculture in Environment Agency and many non- the region. The scale of this event was governmental organisations. It aims to unprecedented and has caused significant identify the social, economic and concern that it may herald a major regime environmental gains to be made from shift within the Irish Sea with disastrous innovative interventions in urban river consequences for Irish and Scottish corridors, using the River Don and its salmon producers. tributaries as a case study. The research will be based around four main themes: In the North Atlantic there is a significant `People´, `Design´, `River´ and `Values´. link between climate and jellyfish abundance. However, modelling the The project, which will run over four years, effects of climatic drivers on P. noctiluca is will be led by the Catchment Science not possible as baseline data are simply
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007 9
not in place. Nor is the seasonality of the requirements of the Landfill Directive, to species well understood. The super the virtual exclusion of many other aggregation therefore presented an Government initiatives. The cases chosen excellent opportunity to gather vital data in appeared to be out-performing other an exceptional year. NERC granted councils’ waste services, largely down to urgency funding to ensure that the their hands-on leadership approach. opportunity was not lost before the jellyfish super-aggregation dissipated. Single-issue focus Generally, Government has been For further information please contact promoting a performance management Caroline Culshaw at: [email protected] perspective of “what gets measured, gets done.” Donnelly and Mackenzie (1998) Performance Management of Councils’ commented upon the LGMA and the Waste Services – Theory and Practice tensions it had created between councils and Government over differing priorities Performance management has been and outlooks. They also highlighted that increased airplay in the public sector over Comprehensive Performance Assessment the past few years. (CPA) was forcing councils to consider how to “do less, better”, and there was This article describes an extended piece of “now a noticeable trend of councils practitioner research investigating (i) retreating into their statutory shells, whether Best Value and performance focusing on what is required by statute, management had introduced culture being less creative…”. change within councils’ waste services, and (ii) if so, whether they had used Whole-systems approach performance management frameworks to The contrary ‘whole-systems’ approach of structure this change. operations management seeks to embed operations within corporate strategy, Setting the scene bringing them under a corporate Initially, considerable Best Value guidance performance management framework was issued by Government and other which is informed using a bottom-up agencies, such as the IDeA. In order to get approach. a handle on what was being recommended, the research project In the cases studied, waste services had commenced with a substantial literature risen up the corporate agenda as a direct review, looking at aspects such as the result of the emphasis upon national and Local Government Modernisation Agenda international legislative compliance, but (LGMA), performance management managers had yet to expand their horizons frameworks and tools (such as the beyond the specific requirements of their Balanced Scorecard and Investors in own service. However the elevated priority People), and barriers and enablers. In the now accorded to waste means that in the waste management context, it explored longer term, a more holistic approach to the driving force of the EC Landfill waste management may evolve, with Directive and its regime of restrictions and greater corporate engagement and possible fines. understanding at all levels.
It was clear that strong, consistent Conclusions leadership would be needed to address all Two opposing philosophies of these challenges, and that behaviour performance management are both change could be expected within councils illustrated by the case studies in this piece and their waste services. of research. There is a possible emergent conflict here between councils’ aspirations Case Studies for a corporate performance management Once completed, the review informed a framework, and their waste services' focus conceptual model, which was then applied upon avoiding fines in the face of rising to five UK case studies (comprising four standards and expectations. English ‘Beacon’ Councils plus Belfast), and subsequently refined. Amongst the For further information contact Tim Walker findings was that councils’ waste services at: [email protected] were focusing explicitly upon the
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Tim Walker gave a presentation at the they are constructing detailed 3D LARCI Household waste seminar on the geological models of parts of London, 26 October 2007, further information can Glasgow, Manchester and Salford. be found at: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/innovation/partnersh One of the biggest regeneration initiatives ip/larci/events/archive/07oct.htm in the UK has commissioned BGS to model the geology of Scotland’s Clyde *Meeting local transport needs Gateway area in 3D. The Clyde Gateway more effectively Partnership* is taking place in the east of Glasgow and South Lanarkshire and will be developing vacant, derelict and Accessibility and User Needs in contaminated land to improve people’s Transport well-being, the area's economy, and to create new facilities for the This research integrates the expertise of Commonwealth Games in 2014. These the research centres and project partners new models explain features using both in transport policies and planning, design, geological and engineering language operations and evaluation. The shared which help planners, engineers and vision is to produce rigorous developers to understand the different soil methodologies for sustainable policies and and rock layers beneath the city. This will practices that will deliver effective socially help them determine how best to use the inclusive design and operation in transport land and address the many complicated and the public realm from macro down to environmental issues resulting from the micro level. Three Core Projects are area’s industrial heritage such as shallow developing decision-support tools that will mining, drainage problems and establish benchmarks and incorporate contamination. inclusion into policies, and support the design and operation of journey The key to the models' success is in environments and transport facilities. Four understanding how planners, engineers Plus Projects are developing tools to and regulators work, and producing a consult socially excluded people, capture product which is tailored to their specific 'emotional' data for evaluation of micro- needs. level design, evaluate socially inclusive design initiatives, develop an integrated For further information please contact the information system, and produce design- BGS Central Enquiry desk led solutions to barriers caused by [email protected] personal security concerns. *the partnership includes Glasgow City Council, This research is funded by EPSRC, and South Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Enterprise and project partners include Bristol City Communities Scotland Council, London Borough of Camden, Transport for London, Hertfordshire New radon data from the British County Council, London Borough of Tower Geological Survey and the Health Hamlets and Brighton and Hove Council. Protection Agency
Further information can be found at: The NERC’s British Geological Survey and http://gow.epsrc.ac.uk/ViewGrant.aspx?Gr the Health Protection Agency (HPA) jointly antRef=GR/S90867/01 launched a new radon dataset for England and Wales on 12th November 2007. This *Promoting the economic vitality much improved digital database provides detailed information on radon affected of localities areas and can be interrogated at property level. A 3D look at the world beneath our feet Radon enters buildings from the ground Scientists at NERC’s British Geological beneath them and indoor levels vary Survey are developing the next generation depending on several factors including the of geological maps of the UK - three underlying geology, the method of building dimensional visualisations of the world construction and the way a building is beneath our feet. Using geological heated and ventilated. The new dataset mapping and information from boreholes, combines the latest results of
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007 11
measurements in over 450,000 homes MRC Studentship Placement Schemes and takes account of the local geology. This provides a more informed estimate of An opportunity is available to enable 2nd or the probability of high radon in a dwelling 3rd year MRC-funded PhD students to than was previously available although a undertake a three month fellowship at measurement will still be needed to either Parliament, the Welsh Assembly or determine the level of radon. the Scottish Executive to develop awareness of government policy-making For local authorities the radon affected environments and processes. area status of a property is an important tool in programmes to control and reduce Further information can be found at: the exposure of the population to this http://www.mrc.ac.uk/NewsViewsAndEven known cause of cancer. These data can ts/News/MRC004309 be accessed by local authorities from BGS in digital map format ([email protected]) Placement Fellowship Scheme for GIS application or through the HPA’s web site (www.ukradon.org.uk). As part of its Placement Fellowship Scheme the ESRC welcomes applications The new dataset will provide essential from academics interested in working with information to those dealing with land the LGA. The Scheme encourages social charges, building control and science researchers to spend time within a environmental health. The new dataset will partner organisation to undertake policy- answer the CON29 question relating to relevant research and to develop the radon affected areas and indicate the level research skills of partner employees. The of protective measures required for new placement will be jointly funded by the build and extensions as set out in BRE’s ESRC and the LGA while the fellow will BR211(2007) guidance on protective remain employed by his/her institution. measures for new buildings. For further information please contact the The closing date is Monday, 28th January BGS Central Enquiry desk: 2008. For an application form e-mail: [email protected] [email protected].
Collaborative Funding Further information can be found at: http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCIn
foCentre/opportunities/current_funding_op New Opportunities for Collaborative portunities/LGA.aspx Research and Development
Visiting Fellowships available for Local The Technology Strategy Board has Government issued calls for proposals to carry out
collaborative research in the areas of Funding is now available for local materials for energy, high-value government staff for short Visiting manufacturing and cell therapy. There are Fellowships to the UK Research Councils' three phase for the competition, which Rural Economy and Land Use Programme represents a government investment of (RELU). The scheme funds the expenses around £100 million and covers eight of staff to visit a RELU research team or technology areas. group of teams with a view to exploring the
implications of the research for their work. Proposals must involve two or more UK Visiting Fellowships for local government collaborators, at least one of which is from are funded by LARCI, and administered by industry. Projects with applications across RELU. several business sectors, which build on
links between academic and business Further information can be found at: research and which involve Small and http://www.relu.ac.uk/funding/Visiting%20F Medium-sized enterprises are especially ellowship.htm welcome.
Only a simple one-page application is Further information can be found at: needed which should be emailed to http://www.technologyprogramme.org.uk/ [email protected] before 31 March 2008.
The funding limit is £2,000 per placement.
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A description of RELU projects can be Events seen at:
http://www.relu.ac.uk/news/briefings/BRIF LARCI Events 7.pdf.
LARCI Seminar Series Examples of projects include: The Sustainability of Hill Farming; Sustainable Uplands: Learning to Manage Future LARCI seminars are open to all, and are Change; Social and Environmental usually free. Full details, programmes and Inequalities in Rural Areas; Impacts of booking information can be found on the Increasing Land Use Under Energy Crops; Events Diary page of the LARCI website: Energy Production on Farms Through www.larci.org.uk/diary.html or Anaerobic Digestion; Testing a Community http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/innovation/partnersh Approach to Catchment Management; ip/larci/events/archive/default.htm Integrated Management of Floodplains; Sustainable and Safe Recycling of Recent LARCI Events Livestock Waste; Assessing and Communicating Animal Disease Risks for LARCI Summit Countryside Users; Reducing E coli Risk LARCI organised a high-level summit in Rural Communities; etc. event on 28 November in London, to bring together current and potential Local government practitioners can be stakeholders to shape the future matched up with an academic team by development of this initiative. Chief RELU. Contact [email protected] / tel. 0191 executives from the Research Councils, 222 6903 for specific queries. central and local government pledged support and proposed steps to work more KT-EQUAL Call for Expressions of closely through LARCI. Interest Further information can be found at: KT-EQUAL, as part of the Extending http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/innovation/partnersh Quality of life (EQUAL) initiative supports ip/larci/events/archive/07nov.htm new knowledge transfer activities. EPSRC is seeking to fund KT-EQUAL as a single Other Events consortium grant and expressions of interest for roles within KT-EQUAL are 30th January 2008, London invited from individuals who are interested Migration Matters: planning for future in the positions of consortium director, population change network leader or KT leader. This conference will focus on future trends in international migration to and from the Further information can be found at: UK, the different emerging demographic http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/CallsForProposals/ profiles of communities within and KTEQUALCallEoI.htm between regions and the ways leading local authorities are planning for future Case Study: Providing Academic service and community cohesion issues in Insights at the Heart of Government their localities. Liam Byrne, minister of immigration, will provide the keynote Dr Dirk Haubrich, of the University of speech. There will also be an expert panel Oxford’s Department of Politics and made up of representatives from DCLG, International Relations, took part at the the Institute of Community Cohesion, and ESRC’s Placement Fellowship Scheme, the Commission of Equalities and Human spending time in the Prime Minster’s Rights who will debate future approaches Strategy Unit. He produced a new guide to to cohesion with conference delegates. the commissioning of public services to For more information contact: private and voluntary organisations. [email protected] or visit http://www.lga.gov.uk/lga/events/display- Further information can be found at: event.do?id=28468 http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/strategy/se minars/commissioning.aspx
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007 13
13 February 2008 Further information can be found at: GLA Workshop: Differentiated http://www.the-ba.net/the- Inequality in London across time and ba/Events/NSEW/index.html space This workshop aims to demonstrate the 30 June 2008- 1 July 2008 changing nature of inequality across the WARMNET & Resource Efficiency last 60 years and the value of longitudinal Knowledge Transfer Network data for understanding it, with the conference emphasis on the impact on individual lives. The Resource Efficiency Knowledge Who remained locked into a cycle of Transfer Network and WARMNET (Waste poverty and disadvantage? Whose and Resource Management Network) are situation improved over time? pleased to invite contributions of papers and posters to their first combined For further information contact John conference to be held at the University of Bynner at [email protected] Nottingham on the 30th June and 1st July 2008. 25 February 2008- 26 February 2008 Further information can be found at: Achieving Carbon Reduction in Local http://www.warmnet.org.uk/ or contact Authorities [email protected] The University of Bath, EPSRC/ ESRC ‘lowcarbonworks’ Action Research LARCI seminar programme program is holding a workshop to explore about exciting new research focused in We are currently working on our seminar this area and to develop ideas and actions programme. If you have ideas for ‘hot that build on success. This event is topics’ that you feel we should be endorsed by I&DeA. addressing let us know: The event is almost full, but further [email protected] information can be found at: Focus on….LARCI http://www.bath.ac.uk/carpp/lowcarbon/ma
gs/index.html or LARCI is undergoing an exciting period of http://www.bath.ac.uk/carpp/lowcarbon/wp change, precipitated by Clive Grace’s - December 2006 report: content/uploads/2007/12/lhworkshop_furth http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/cmsweb/downloads/ er_details_v1.pdf rcuk/innovation/larci/gracereport.pdf, and
formalised on 28 November 2007 at the 7 March 2008- 16 March 2008 LARCI Summit in London. ESRC Festival of Social Sciences
The ESRC Festival of Social Sciences will One of our first actions will be to give a fascinating insight into some of the commission a series of research country’s leading social science research overviews covering ‘hot topics’ of key and how it influences social, economic and relevance to local government decision- political lives. making. We are inviting colleagues with an
interest in local government research to Further information can be found at: help us identify the top three priorities, http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCIn either from the list emerging from the foCentre/FSS/default.aspx November 2007 LARCI Summit:
http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/innovation/partnersh 7 March 2008- 16 March 2008 ip/larci/events/archive/07nov.htm, or by National Science and Engineering proposing additional topics. Week
'A week of science events for everyone!' Please e-mail your comments and ‘top National Science and Engineering Week three’ candidates for research overviews (formerly National Science Week) is an to [email protected] by 31 opportunity for people of all ages, areas January 2008. and organisations to take part in science,
engineering and technology activities.
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk 14 LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007/08
New alliance will ensure effective local government research – Press release Steve Bundred, Chief Executive of the from 28 November Audit Commission, said:
Local people are set to benefit from 'Today's commitment gives local improved government services as a result government an even stronger voice in the of a new strategic alliance between Local direction of our research. This in turn will Government and the UK’s Research ensure our auditing work best reflects the Councils. local priorities and needs of local people. 'Whether it be issues tackling climate The Local Authority Research Council change or local anti-social behaviour, we Initiative will bring together a wide range of are committed to refining our audit groups whose aim is to develop programme to reflect changing local groundbreaking technologies that will concerns. We therefore welcome this deliver more efficient council services concordat and the better outcomes for while at the same time making people’s local communities that it will help to lives easier. deliver.' Examples of previous work include: Further information can be found at: • Research into climate change which saw http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/innovation/partnersh CO2 emissions drop by 2,000 tonnes in ip/larci/events/archive/07nov.htm or one week in Birmingham after the contact Nick Mann at 0207 664 3187 or implementation of the findings. Julia Short at 01793 444435 • Research for Brighton and Hove City Council which improved access to public LARCI – website of the month transport for disabled people across the city. LARCI is the ‘Website of the Month’ in the • Portsmouth City Council worked with latest Government Social Research Southampton University on household bulletin. waste collection, sorting, recycling which saved the council taxpayer money and Further information can be found at: made the council more efficient at http://www.gsr.gov.uk/new_research/bullet delivering services. in/2008/0801.asp#wom
Speaking on behalf of Research Councils Focus on…. local government UK, Professor Ian Diamond said: “Greater knowledge exchange between local Ethical governance toolkit government and the UK’s world class researchers is especially important in The purpose of the toolkit is to help local meeting the critical challenges that face all authorities assess how well they are st of us in the 21 century. The new meeting the ethical agenda and to improve concordat will not only help local further their arrangements. governments to deal with local issues The toolkit is badged jointly by the arising from problems such as climate Standards Board for England, the change, crime and disease but will enable Improvement and Development Agency local communities to influence aspects of and the Audit Commission. The Standards the UK’s research agenda.” Board for England has supported the development of the tools with the other Chief Executive of the Local Government bodies. Association, Paul Coen, said: “This Concordat is a landmark in bringing Further information can be found at: together researchers and local http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?p government to bring more invention, more ageId=1115850 innovation and more creativity to the work that local authorities do in delivering the Warwick Consortium best services for local people. “We want to put people first and will work A unique partnership between the Local hard to ensure that research is passed on Government Centre at Warwick Business to those who can deliver better areas and School, and around 20 UK local services.” authorities, the Warwick Partnership is a
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007 15
unique ten year partnership, to carry out examining different aspects of joint research and best practice commissioning by local government. development. The first of these, Healthy Competition, Further information can be found at: explores councils’ use of competition and http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/wbs/res contestability. The study report presents earch/lgc/research/consortium/ findings on: • the potential for councils’ use of Working together: delivering the sub- competition and contestability to national review generate cost savings and service improvements; Association of Regional • practical examples of councils Observatories/ESRC Conference, 5-6 successfully using competition and December 2007 contestability; and • the pre-conditions that councils must Full proceedings, presentations and have in place to make effective use of background information are available competition and contestability. online at: http://www.regionalobservatories.org.uk/de The second report, For Better, For Worse, tails.asp?key=DD221|0|70217944141337| takes a more detailed look at one p|1794|0&parentkey=DD221|0|702179441 procurement model, the strategic service- 41337|p|1794|0 delivery partnership. These are long-term public-private partnerships designed to Watchdogs join forces to push for deliver services. They are defined as better local services partnerships because they seek to overcome some of the adversarial aspects The first independent assessment of the of traditionally-specified contracting. The prospects for local areas and the quality of report sets out: life for people living there has moved a step closer. On 19 November 2007 was • the nature and extent of the use of the release of the first stage of joint strategic service-delivery partnerships; consultation on the Comprehensive Area • the extent to which they have delivered Assessment (CAA). CAA is about people benefits; and and places. It will give people an annual • how councils can manage these snapshot of life in their local area and help arrangements in order to optimise these local services to improve their quality of benefits. life. It will also provide an independent view of whether people are getting value Both reports highlight common themes. for money from their local services. Although the effective use of different market mechanisms can deliver real Further information can be found at: benefits, there is no universal solution that http://www.audit- can deliver improvement for all councils. commission.gov.uk/caa/consultation.asp Each authority therefore needs to make or decisions about commissioning based on http://www.audit- objective assessment of the costs and commission.gov.uk/localgovernment/useof benefits associated with different options resources/consultation2009.asp?Category in their local circumstances. And the ID=english%5E576 importance of skills and capacity are also paramount. For example, in strategic ‘The Audit Commission on service-delivery partnerships, councils commissioning’ need to put in place effective management arrangements not only during procurement In light of the recent tight financial but also to ensure effective ongoing settlement and the new local government contract management. bill, councils need to consider different approaches to the commissioning of The Audit Commission’s studies team services to improve value for money. The intends to draw together the findings from Audit Commission has recently published these and other studies related to its findings from two national studies commissioning and will be presenting on
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk 16 LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007/08
this subject at a series of seminars and for their staff in the last year – the lowest events throughout 2008. proportion in England.
For further information contact Stuart Individuals and communities Deaton at s-deaton@audit- commission.gov.uk or 0844 798 2337 or The rates of skills and qualification Nigel Terrington at n-terrington@audit- attainment by individuals lag behind commission.gov.uk or 0844 798 2439. national trends. In 2006, the proportion of the Region’s working age population with Local Government Analysis and no qualifications (17.5%) was the highest Research Bulletin in England. The proportions qualified to at least level 2 (64%) and at least level 3 LGAR’s monthly bulletin highlights the (42%) were the lowest in England. latest key issues, developments, research A lack of investment in skills is acting as a and statistical findings impacting on, or of barrier to participation in employment, interest to, local government. The bulletin particularly in urban areas of the Region. brings together the work of the LGA and While 80% of working age people in all the central bodies and information is Herefordshire and Worcestershire are in grouped under themed areas. The bulletin employment, in Stoke-on-Trent and the is published on the 28th of each month Black Country the employment rates are and can be found at: 70%, and only 63% of people in http://www.lgar.local.gov.uk/lgv/core/page. Birmingham are in employment. do?pageId=11191 Demographic change To register for the bulletin please visit: http://lgar.local.gov.uk/lgv/reg/user- These issues need to be set in the context register.do of demographic change for the region. Demographic trends indicate that older West Midlands Regional Skills people and those from the longer Assessment 2007 established minority ethnic communities represent another growing, but hitherto Skills are at the centre of the national and under-utilised, source of labour and skills. regional policy agenda. There is Between 2001 and 2025 the region is increasing recognition that increased forecast to see increases of: investment in training and development by 120,000 in numbers of 55-64 year olds employers and raising the skill levels of (from 640,000 to 760,000) individuals are the key to improving 90,000 in the Region’s Asian communities economic performance and tackling (from 370,000 to 460,000) deprivation and exclusion. 30,000 in the Region’s black communities The West Midlands Regional Skills (from 95,000 to 125,000) Assessment gives an overview of the key 30,000 in numbers of people of mixed issues facing the West Midlands economy heritage. with regard to the skills agenda. The report is produced annually and aims to inform The full report is available for download at: the work of key stakeholders to align the http://www.wmro.org/p.asp/RSA2007. supply of training and related business For further information contact Andy support with the current and future Phillips at: [email protected] or demands of employers and individuals. 0121 202 3251. The following highlights have been identified in the report. Focus on …. the Research Councils Employers
In order to develop and grow, employers Analysing and using population data – require a workforce that is more highly Funded secondment opportunities qualified, with a better mix of ‘employability’ skills and with improved ESRC wants proposals for User management & leadership capabilities. Fellowships. Their aim is to develop However, only 56% of employers in the capacity in secondary data analysis and West Midlands have invested in training promote the use of large-scale data sets,
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007 17
both qualitative and quantitative. The Further information can be found at: programme is for ‘non-academic’ http://www.nerc.ac.uk/publications/strategi researchers working in organisations that cplan/documents/strategy07.pdf use social science data. The ESRC will provide funds of up to £50k to support Excellence with Impact each Fellowship. The funding is for secondment to an academic centre of The Research Councils have recently excellence (such as an ESRC Research outlined their plans to demonstrate Centre or an individual department with increased economic benefits for the UK ESRC accreditation) for 6-months full time economy and society. Excellence with or 12-months part-time. Funding includes Impact, published in October 2007: employer costs, specialist training in • gave examples of how the Research secondary analysis, and mentoring and Council's annual investment of around supervision. Fellowships will run during £2.8 billion of Government funding 2008/2009. Closing date for application is translates into world-class research, Tuesday 22 January 2008. leading to profitable breakthroughs, improved health and public policy, and Further information can be found at: a better quality of life for British http://www.uptap.net/index.html or contact people. Jennifer Edwards at • reported the findings of a User [email protected] or John Satisfaction Survey that probes the Stillwell at [email protected] expectations and experiences of users, including individuals from the Evidence Network public, private and voluntary sectors that have worked closely with The Evidence Network is supported by Research Councils. ESRC to bring social science research • included an independent review of much nearer to the decision making Research Council Knowledge Transfer process. Their aim is to provide a focal Schemes. point for those who are interested in • provided an analysis of how peer Evidence Based Policy and Practice to review decision making could reflect access useful information and resources economic impact considerations. (EBPP), to provide a forum for debate and • Outlined plans for a strategic alliance discussion on EBPP issues, to contribute with the Technology Strategy Board, to capacity-building in the skills required creating exciting opportunities to for EBPP and to explore issues through support collaborations between research and consultancy activities for research and business. researchers, policy makers and practitioners. Excellence with Impact also looks forward, describing how Research Councils plan to Further information can be found at: deliver improved knowledge transfer in the http://www.evidencenetwork.org/ future.
Next Generation Science for Planet Further Information can be found at: Earth 2007-2012 http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/innovation/impact/de fault.htm On November 15 2007, NERC launched its new strategy, Next Generation Science Proposals sought for New Centre for for Planet Earth, which sets out an Third Sector Research overview of how NERC, in partnership with others, will respond to the critical issue of st ESRC, Office of the Third Sector (OTS) in the 21 century – the sustainability of life the Cabinet Office and The Barrow on Earth. The strategy was developed with Cadbury Trust have announced the call for the UK’s environmental research users, proposals to establish a new independent, funders and providers, and sets out the multidisciplinary research centre for the challenges for both our science and how Third Sector. NERC manages their activities. Bringing together a critical mass of research expertise, resources and intellectual leadership, the centre will
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk 18 LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007/08
support research of the highest ESRC: international standing, provide top quality http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/i analysis and strengthen the evidence base ndex_press.aspx on the sector and its impact, to underpin MRC: http://www.mrc.ac.uk/NewsViewsAndEvents/News/S policy and practice. Developing ubscribetoNews/index.htm partnerships between researchers and NERC: research users will be at the heart of the http://www.nerc.ac.uk/news/rss/ new Centre in order to increase STFC: knowledge and expertise about, with and http://www.so.stfc.ac.uk/rss/rss.xml for the Third Sector, to include the RCUK: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/aboutrcuk/publications/default. voluntary and community sectors as well htm as social enterprise. Britain in 2008 Further information can be found at: http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCIn The ‘Britain in 2008’ publication foCentre/PO/releases/2008/january/thirdse showcases the diversity of ESRC-funded ctor.aspx?ComponentId=25232&SourceP research around the state of the nation in ageId=20654 2008. It offers a concise analysis of research and topical issues concerning New Research Centre to look at Spatial Britain today. Differences in Economic Prosperity Further information can be found at: ESRC, Department for Business, http://www.esrc.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/ab Enterprise and Regulatory Reform out/CI/CP/britaintoday/index.aspx?Compo (BERR), DCLG and the Welsh Assembly nentId=20890&SourcePageId=20656 Government have today (14th January) announced the successful bid to establish Useful links an independent Centre for Spatial Economics. Contact details for LARCI Steering Group Economic prosperity in the UK is unevenly members and their organisations can be distributed. The Centre, which sees a total found at: www.larci.org.uk/steering.html joint investment of £2.4million over an initial three years, will support high quality Technology Strategy Board independent research to further understanding in why some regions, cities The Technology Strategy Board is a and communities prosper, whilst other business-focused organisation dedicated don’t. Research will focus on why there to promoting technology-enabled are disparities in economic growth at all innovation across the UK. spatial levels including regional, city- region, local and neighbourhood. Several of the fields on which the Technology Strategy Board is focusing – Further information can be found at: and where it is investing – relate directly to http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCIn challenges and issues faced by local foCentre/PO/releases/2008/january/thirdse authorities. ctor.aspx?ComponentId=25232&SourceP ageId=20185 Established as an executive body at arm's length from Government in July 2007, the Research Councils’ Bulletins organisation is sponsored by the Department for Innovation, Universities Each of the Research Councils’ produces and Skills (DIUS). bulletins summarising research outputs, consultations and other information of Among the organisation’s activities are interest to stakeholders. To register, go to: investing in research and development; building partnerships between business, AHRC: research and Government to address http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/news/ major societal challenges; and running a BBSRC: wide range of knowledge exchange http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/news/email.html programmes to help innovation flourish. EPSRC: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/MediaEnquiries/default.htm
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007 19
The Technology Strategy Board works Analysis, Intelligence, Research particularly closely with local government on the development of new Innovation The Analysis, Intelligence and Research Platforms. An Innovation Platform is a new community site supports the sharing of approach to a major policy and societal information about analysis, intelligence challenge, focusing on a specific area of and research either undertaken by or of opportunity and aligning policy, regulation, interest to Scottish local government. business and government procurement. The platform brings together Government Further information can be found at: stakeholders and funders, business and http://www.improvementservice.org.uk/air/ researchers in support of innovative solutions. Centre for Market and Public Organisation Four Innovation Platforms have been launched by the Technology Strategy The Centre for Market and Public Board to date, focusing on Intelligent Organisation (CMPO) is a leading Transport Systems, Network Security, research centre, combining expertise in Assisted Living and Low Carbon Vehicles. economics, geography and law and is funded by the Economic and Social A short film explaining the work of the Research Council and the Leverhulme Technology Strategy Board and Innovation Trust. Platforms in particular was shown at the SOLACE conference in 2007 and can be Further information can be found at: viewed on the Local Government Channel http://www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/CMPO/ website at: http://www.localgovernmentchannel.com/i The CMPO Bulletin can be found at: ndex1.php?page=2&cat=19&sub=32&vid= http://www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/CMPO/bulletin 142 /index.htm
For further information on the Technology Government Social Research (GSR) Strategy Board please visit: www.innovateuk.org. GSR draws on the discipline of social science to provide analysis for policy, MSc in Evidence for Public Policy and using data to inform policy debate. Practice, EPPI-Centre, Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education Further information can be found at: University of London http://www.gsr.gov.uk/
The MSc will equip you with conceptual The GSR Bulletin can be found at: and practical skills for conducting and http://www.gsr.gov.uk/new_research/bullet appraising systematic reviews and in/index.asp evaluating the potential for the use of research evidence to inform policy and Collaboration Opportunities practice. Students will study theory,
empirical research, and practical examples LARCI provides a brokering service for of all types of research evidence to local authorities interested in collaborating synthesis, models of research use, with academics on research projects, and research questions, study types and types vice versa. If you have a query, contact: of data. [email protected].
The Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre Your Ideas (EPPI-Centre) is part of the Social Science Research Unit at the Institute of Do you have any suggestions for LARCI: Education, which is supported by ESRC. future seminar topics, comments on seminar structure? Would you like to host Further information can be found at: a joint seminar workshop, or present your http://eppi.ioe.ac.uk/cms or contact work at a LARCI seminar? Let us know [email protected] and we will use your views to provide a better service.
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk 20 LARCI Newsletter, Winter 2007/08
To contribute to this newsletter, comment on the content, or join the mailing list, contact the LARCI Research Coordinator by e-mail [email protected] or telephone 01793 413121.
Dr Andrea J. Turner
Local Authority Research Council Initiative
(LARCI)
LARCI Research Co-ordinator
c/o Economic and Social Research
Council
Polaris House
North Star Avenue
Swindon SN2 1UJ
Telephone 01793 413121
Fax 01793 413001
E-mail [email protected]
www.larci.org.uk
LARCI – bringing local authorities and the Research Councils into closer partnership, leading to better informed research, policy and practice. www.larci.org.uk