Mencap Project
The data landscape: locating data that can help Mencap change the world for people with a learning disability
Project:
Identify and evaluate open data sources that could help Mencap in targeting and operating services.
Project description:
Mencap has a great number of analytical questions – such as “What are the chances we will be able to recruit staff for a new service” and “Which local authorities are fulfilling their obligations with respect to people with learning disabilities” - that could be better answered if Mencap could find suitable data on social, demographic and other factors.
The volunteer is asked to work with the Insight and Analytics Lead and Research Manager to identify what are the most burning questions, and what sort of data might be useful; search for open sources of this data; and assess the extent and quality of each source (for example the age of the data, how frequently it is renewed, its geographic extent, whether it is available specifically for learning disability, its reliability, its accessibility) to provide a directory of resources for the Data and Research teams.
No specific skills are required other than general OR skills; but people who already have some knowledge of open sources of social and demographic data are particularly invited to apply.
Time commitment: Initially 3-5 days (spread out as needed): half a day to establish and firm up on requirements; 2-3 days of desk research; and half a day to document and present the findings.
Location: The project can be undertaken entirely off-site, though for the initial discussion and reporting, the volunteer would be welcome to meet the customer at their offices in Golden Lane, London.
If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to amy.hughes@theorsociety.com by 30th October 2019.
The OR Society fully supports equal opportunities. As such, we welcome applications from the partially sighted or blind, or those with disabilities.
Information about the organisation:
Mencap is the leading voice of learning disability. Everything we do is about valuing and supporting people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.The services Mencap provide range from round-the-clock care to helping someone join in with local leisure activities, providing advice and information on things like employment and education, helping someone to live independently for the first time, and even things like reporting a crime to the police.
For further information about Mencap, please visit https://www.mencap.org.uk/ or email Owen.Bowden@mencap.org.uk
