We coordinate several groups based around particular themes.
These communities of practice identify the right facts, statistics and research to encourage evidence-based policy within the West Midlands. Members of these groups include data analysts, research officers, policy officers or information managers.
We also coordinate data groups on skills, economic inclusion and culture. These are forums for researchers and policy professionals to influence and guide the Observatory's research programmes.
This group aims to develop best practice in cultural sector research and data collection in the West Midlands. The group's members are committed to sharing data, research findings and intelligence to underpin development of a strong evidence base, which can be used to make the case for cultural investment in the region.
A virtual network sharing cultural sector research and news by email. Register with us to receive our quarterly newsletter and invitations to seminars and events.
This group is a forum for researchers and policy professionals to influence and guide the Observatory's economic inclusion research. The group's overall aim is to provide partners within the Economic Inclusion Panel with a comprehensive, robust and up-to-date evidence base to inform the Panel's strategic thinking and action planning.
The aim of this group is to identify facts, figures and statistics to encourage evidence-based policy in the West Midlands around the regional economy and labour market.
This group identifies key environmental research and evidence within the West Midlands. It includes members from a range of organisations including the Environment Agency.
This group focuses on geographical information systems (GIS) and advises the Observatory and associated groups on appropriate geographical information tools and techniques.
This group gives the Observatory an understanding of the information needs of the West Midlands in relation to population, society, migration and health.
This group is made up of members of the Regional Skills Partnership, which defines the major skills challenges in the West Midlands and informs planning and funding decisions, targeting effort where it will have the greatest impact. They provide oversight and support for the Observatory's skills research programme.