Preparing data for the diagnose stage

It can be helpful to visualise the data gathered for the neighbourhood profile to enable its use in the diagnose workshops. 

Using data to create workshop resources

Oldham Energy Futures produced two kinds of visual to promote discussion around the information gathered in the neighbourhood profile:

1. Spatial data was mapped on an interactive, layered map. Oldham Energy Futures found that maps can be very effective in engaging the neighbourhood group with more complicated topics.
2. Non-spatial data was visualised on an online hub for both Westwood and Sholver. 

The CLEP workshops often need the visualisation and generation of data to pose questions and prompt conversations, so considering how to present data is an important part of preparing for the process. Visualisations needed for different workshop activities are detailed in each workshop guide document.

TIP: Workshop facilitators do not have to visualise all the data gathered. It is more important to be aware of the characteristics of the area and use this to inform activities and conversations.Data sets such as the Indices of Multiple Deprivation and information about fuel poverty impose a uniquely negative lens on many low-income communities, one which participants may not identify with or agree with. Be sensitive to this and drop the terminology if it becomes a barrier to building trust. As part of Oldham Energy Futures the team chose to exclude this data from visualisations, but did use their knowledge of it to inform conversations and share it with participants when it was relevant to choices about action. For example, providing advice about progressing a community action project seeking to improve energy efficiency in their area with knowledge of the local levels of fuel poverty.

Tools to capture data during the workshops

The workshops provide a rich opportunity to capture complimentary data to add to the neighbourhood profile and feature in the Community-led Energy Plan.

Oldham Energy Futures found that:

1. Having a large-scale map of the area with building placements, street names and labels denoting key buildings or open spaces (particularly the venue where the workshops are held) was important. Make sure to have this to hand and printed at a large enough scale that the group can comfortably sit around a table and identify key places. Take a picture of these maps at the end of each session to capture the data.
2. Set up a Google map to log the spatial data mentioned during the workshops. For an example of how this was used in practice visit the Westwood and Sholver pages.
3. Have a note taker on hand in each workshop to capture key elements of the conversation. Testimonies of energy issues, spatialised issues, possible solutions and stakeholders are useful.

Resources specific to the workshops which will be delivered should be prepared. For example, producing a visual reflecting the energy potential of the neighbourhood can be useful to prompt conversations around renewable energy generation. See renewable energy generation for more detail.