Since its inception, SWO has grown in resources, capacity and prominence. Consistently, it is our network model that is held up to others in the country as the best practice example in local and regional intelligence networking.
The unique strength of SWO is in its network of experts across themes and localities. By working together, sharing information and ideas, we are able to obtain an accurate picture of the South West and its parts. We share best practice, avoid duplication and get better value for money by pooling our resources.
Using these means, we seek to equip those in policy-making with the most reliable and accurate information on which to base their decisions.
We work to assist regional and national agencies, local authorities and other interested parties to answer questions using robust intelligence to inform their work. It is SWO's aim to be the automatic first port of call for intelligence about the South West region and its parts.
SWO is made up of six thematic Modules - covering the Economy, the Environment, Planning, Public Health, Skills & Learning and Culture - and nine Local Intelligence Networks (LINs) - spanning the South West from Cornwall to Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. At the centre of the network is the Observatory’s Core Unit (a company limited by guarantee) which facilitates and disseminates network activity.
In addition, the SWO network extends to the ONS Regional Presence, the Government Office for the South West, South West Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as well as the Association of Regional Observatories (ARO) - the co-ordinator for which is currently based with the SWO Core Unit team in Taunton.
SWO network activity includes, but is not limited to, publications such as the State of the South West, and our quarterly network newsletter, co-ordinating evidence to support the Local Economic Assessments, chairing and contributing to ORG (Operational Research Group) meetings, and running events stimulating debate across policy specialisms. We are currently also in the process of planning a series of training events and technical workshops for 2011/2012.
