Lewisham - Project Lion

‘LION’ stands for London Information On Line. This project was borne out of the need to collect information from a variety of agencies in a meaningful format. The review of the previous audit process across London identified a major problem of inadequate data. The impetus for gathering the relevant data from agencies was the need to facilitate multi-agency working. Existing data was mapped and an implementation plan was drawn up. This has been heavily consulted on.

The model developed is seen as flexible:

• Data from agencies has been put onto a website to aid audits, problem solving and best value.
• Priority areas for the partnership are identified as race, hate crime, domestic violence and robbery.
• Data will be available on a ward level to make it accessible.
• Initially the website will be password accessible to Lewisham Crime and Disorder partnership and other agencies.
• Lewisham data is to include A&E and social services (children in care)
• Data will be geo-coded. It will include age, gender, ethnicity and other search fields.
• Certain data will extend beyond Lewisham and will be London wide. For instance, probation, crime and fire service

The website should aid partnerships in utilising the ‘SARA’ model, in data interpretation, analysis, planning and implementation. Decision makers can use the model in strategic planning initiatives. Factors that have been critical to the success of setting up this initiative have been:

• Funding from the treasury
• Employment of a full time project officer at a local level
• Reduction of demand on agencies for data.

Added benefits to the use of such a model are:

• Supports multi-agency working
• Measures demand and changes over time, thus creating a benchmark
• Incorporates Best Value Performance Indicators

The Lewisham project will be evaluated by the LSE with a view to extending it London wide. The website, which is due to be online shortly, will have a members’ area and a public area.

Contacts:

Mark Feeley (Partnerships & Community Safety) (Tel: 020 7230 3099) (Email: projectlion@gt.net.gov.uk)

Steve Harrison (Tel: 07956 256311) (Fax: 020 8314 3505) (Email: steve.harrison@lewisham.gov.uk) (Website: www.Lewisham.gov.uk )(click onto Crimewatch)