The Approach
We first specified the format of the database by liaising with the charity. Once this had been agreed we set out a template for the database and set to work populating it. This was a difficult task as the data were quite messy: the different residential homes had used different formats to record their data, and there were many missing values and ambiguities that had to be resolved.
Once we had populated the database we performed some analysis to demonstrate the kinds of insights that could be gained from having data in a standardised format. We then arranged to meet with representatives from St. Michael’s Fellowship and presented the database and our initial findings to them. We took away feedback from that meeting and used it to produce the final version of the database.
“Strategic insights have already helped to strengthen funding applications & informed the development of a new pilot with partners at Middlesex.”