South West Observatory
Welcome to the South West Observatory - the regional information gateway. Here you can access a network of analysts and information across a broad range of demographic, environmental and economic services.
The Observatory is made up of six Thematic Modules, seven sub-regional Local Intelligence Networks and a co-ordinating core unit. The network is working to a common vision; that policy making in, and about, the south west region should be based on sound evidence. It is the Observatory's aim to be the automatic first port of call for intelligence about the South West region and its parts, with any one of our constituent bodies being a portal to all of our network of experts and resources.
Scroll down this page for information on the latest additions to this site or click the What's New section for updates to the observatory network of websites.
Interactive Network Map
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An interactive overview of our complete network can be obtained by clicking on the map image to the left ; This gives a quick and easy way to access the networks services, expertise and partners. The Interactive Network Map requires Adobe Flash Player 8 to run. To download and run the latest edition of Flash Player click here: Adobe Flash Player Download Centre. |
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The online update to "The State of the South West" a comprehensive review of the South West of England's economic, social, environmental and cultural life is available to view from this link State of the South West 2008. This online publication assesses and analyses information for the South West, across a broad range of policy themes, presenting key issues and priorities along with supporting data. PDF copies of each chapter are also available to download. |
South West Universities
The Observatory is developing its links with the Region's thirteen Higher Education Institutes and their regional association HERDA-SW. The Region's universities and other HEIs are a key source of expertise and information which can be accessed via the common Expert Solutions website.
Latest additions:
Annual Report 2007/08
This report covers the Observatory's activities in 2008 and the prospects set out for its future work. Hard copies of the Annual report will be available in mid September pre-order your copy by contacting: Observatory Enquiries. Previous editions of the annual report are available to download from the South West Observatory Annual Reports page.
Barometer 2008: The latest snapshot of key statistics for the South West region is available. Order your copy of this publication contacting rachel.hartnell@swo.org.uk .
5th Annual Conference
South West Futures: Economic prosperity, housing and climate change
The 5th annual conference brought together policy makers and implementers, information gatherers and analysts to stimulate cross-thematic thinking on the major policy issues facing the region that are likely to be covered in a new Single Regional Strategy: economic prosperity; sustainability and climate change; and housing and population. Profiles of the guest speakers, conference presentations and the Question and Answer sessions are available for download from the 5th Annual Conference page.
LAA Indicators
The LAA section of this site provides detailed lists of the full set of 198 indicators and links to the available resources for each. Information relating to the CLG Data Interchange Hub is also available from these pages. Click the link to access the LAA indicator resources.
Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2007
The new Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 (IMD 2007) is a Lower layer Super Output Area (LSOA) level measure of multiple deprivation, and is made up of seven LSOA level domain indices. Summary measures of the IMD 2007 are presented at local authority district level and county council level. The South West regional analysis documentation is now available for download. Click the link for further information Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2007.
Office for National Statistics Evidence Guide
The ONS have released a document to highlight web based sources of information that can be used to find evidence. It is intended to complement the Observatory information as the ONS form part of the Observatory network. The document can be downloaded from the ONS regional presence page in the information section on this site.
Seminar series 2007/08: The Observatory held free seminars to showcase recent research in the fields of health, skills, planning, biodiversity, the environment, culture and the economy. The seminars were designed to be informative and enjoyable for a non-specialist audience. The seminar presentations are available to download from 2007/08 Half-day Seminar Presentations.
Road Shows 2007/08 From September to March, the Observatory undertook a series of road shows. Each of the Local Intelligence Networks, which broadly encompass the former county geographies, hosted an event. Presentations can be downloaded from the 2007/08 South West Observatory Road Shows page.
For further information about future observatory events please check the Events Calendar.
We are funded by a number of public bodies including the SWRDA, GOSW, SWRA and the Environment Agency South West.
The South West Observatory (Core Unit) is a Company Limited by Guarantee.
Company Number: 5843785.
Registered in England and Wales.
Registered office East Reach House, East Reach, Taunton TA1 3EN.
Last Updated: 2nd September 2008