Ask the right questions
Start with a clear purpose before searching for data.
and local data
need and provide context for your
organisation’s work.
Using data effectively
Four simple steps
Follow these steps to find relevant data, identify useful insights and strengthen your evidence with trusted external information.
Ask a question
What do you want to know?
Start with a clear purpose.
- Who needs our service?
- What challenges affect our community
- How does our area compare nationally?
Think about how the information will be used and what decisions it will help you make. A clear question makes it much easier to focus on the most relevant data.
Find relevant data
Where can you find useful information?
Look for trusted sources (such as government sites) that help answer your question.
Examples include:
- population and demographics
- health and wellbeing
- employment and income
- housing and deprivation.
Focus on key insights
What is the data telling you?
You do not need hundreds of statistics.
Focus on:
- a small number of meaningful figures
- important trends or patterns
- differences between local and national data.
Remember: A few strong statistics are often more powerful than lots of data.
Combine and use
How can you strengthen your evidence?
National and local data work best alongside your own findings.
Use statistics to provide context and your organisation’s evidence to demonstrate impact.
Look for connections between wider trends and the experiences of the people you support. Together, these can provide a more complete picture of your impact.
Example: National data shows high levels of deprivation in your area, while your findings show positive outcomes for the people you support.
Useful data sources
Where to find national and local data
Use trusted sources to find reliable information about your community, beneficiaries and the issues that matter to your organisation.
Office for National Statistics (ONS)
The UK’s largest producer of official statistics, including population, employment, wellbeing and Census data.
Best for: Understanding who lives in your area and how communities are changing.
Data.gov.uk
The UK’s central hub for public sector datasets, covering topics such as communities, housing, health, transport and crime.
Best for: Housing, crime, communities and local issues.
Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)
A widely used measure of relative deprivation across England, often used in funding applications and needs assessments.
Best for: Demonstrating need and supporting funding applications.
NHS England Statistics
Provides statistics and data on health, wellbeing, service demand and health inequalities, alongside publications and resources to support analysis and planning.
Best for: Health and social care organisations.
NHS England Public Data Gateway
Interactive dashboards and benchmarking tools covering a range of NHS performance and health indicators.
Best for: Exploring local health trends and benchmarking data through interactive dashboards.
UK data service
The UK’s largest collection of social, economic and population datasets, with training and guidance on using data.
Best for: Understanding wider social trends and inequalities.
Dig a little deeper
Local authority and Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs)
Many local authorities and Integrated Care Boards publish Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs), public health reports and local insight dashboards.
These resources can help you understand:
- population trends
- health inequalities
- community priorities
- local challenges and opportunities.
Best for: Understanding local population needs and providing context for funding applications, service planning and impact reporting.
Tip: Search online for “[your area] JSNA” or visit your local authority website.
Additional support and guidance
If you’re new to using data, several organisations provide free resources, tools and practical guidance.
DataKind UK
Supports charities to make better use of data through tools, resources and volunteer expertise.
Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK)
Provides access to research, evidence and guidance on social issues using administrative data.
What Works Centre for Wellbeing
A valuable archive of evidence, research and practical resources about wellbeing and impact measurement.
Top tips when using data
- Start with a clear question.
- Focus on a few meaningful statistics.
- Explain what the data means, not just the numbers.
- Combine statistics with stories and case studies.
- Check publication dates and use the most recent information available.
- Use charts, maps and visuals where possible.
Anticipate common challenges
Make data easier to use
Many organisations face similar challenges when working with data. Here are some simple ways to overcome them.
Too much data
Focus on your question first.
Start with a clear question and look for information that helps answer it.
Data is difficult to understand
Start with summaries and dashboards.
Many organisations provide headline statistics and visual tools that are easier to use than raw datasets.
Limited time and capacity
Start small and build confidence.
You do not need to become a data expert. A few relevant statistics can go a long way.
Can’t find local information?
Try local sources first.
Look for local authority websites, JSNAs, public health profiles and community insight reports before searching national datasets.
Putting data into practice
Use data with purpose
National and local data can help you understand need, strengthen your evidence and tell a stronger story about the difference you’re making.
You do not need to become a data expert or analyse large amounts of information. Start with a clear question, focus on the information that matters most and combine external evidence with your own findings to build a fuller picture of your impact.
Data can support every stage of your work:
- planning services around identified needs
- delivering support that responds to local challenges
- reporting the difference your organisation makes.
Whether you are applying for funding, developing a new service or preparing an impact report, external data can help provide context and strengthen your evidence.
Used well, data can help you make better decisions, strengthen funding applications and increase your impact over time.
Remember: National and local data is most powerful when combined with your own evidence. Statistics can help explain the scale of an issue, while your feedback, stories and outcomes demonstrate the impact you are having.
Data in action
Next guide
Write and Share Your Impact Report
