Introduction

Data and information may be either quantitative (numerical or statistical) or qualitative (conceptual or word based). Both may be further divided into:

Primary data - data collected for a specific purpose i.e. information from local fear of crime surveys conducted specifically for the audit. Generally, partnerships will collect primary data through their consultation activities (see consultation section)

Secondary data - data already collected by other agencies / individuals. Deciding why you need to gather secondary data and where you might access it is an essential audit process. However, it is important to ensure that the process is overloaded with irrelevant and unmanageable data. You will need to think about the agencies that have data as well as the type of analysis you may be undertaking.

Some key considerations in gathering and managing data:

• Raw data will not make sense without context and analysis by those responsible for collecting it.

• Try to persuade agencies to analyse and interpret their own data before submitting it for the audit.

• People with experience of market research and statistics can help interpret data and identify overlaps.

• Secondary sources and soft data, such as anecdotal evidence, can be useful extremely useful, but don't lose the context.

• Not all information is readily available in all areas.

• Information collected for one purpose will need careful interpretation if it is to be used for something else.

• Agencies may be reluctant to share information if they are not confident that you will use it appropriately.

• Have well-established data sharing protocols. Guidelines on the Data Protection Act are available in the Information and Intelligence Sharing Toolkit http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/toolkits/ui00.htm

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