The Modules provide theme-specific research and analysis about the region to inform policy and decision making. They are each structured differently, but are all publicly funded in some way. Coming together under the Observatory banner with the local intelligence networks encourages and enables cross-thematic working, and provides a conduit for sub-regional thematic intelligence needs to be understood and met.
For more information on the individual modules see below. Click on the links to the various module websites. For information on the latest news and releases from the Modules, click here.
The Economy Module (Econ) provides those responsible for developing economic policies within the region with accurate and timely information, intelligence and analysis on all aspects of business and economic activity within the South West. As such the Economy Modules provides a number of products including: information and analysis on the Regional Accounts, economic indicators and reports and briefings including the Regional Economic Profile.
The Environment Module (SWENVO) is funded by the Environment Agency and is a partnership of environmental organisations sharing the collation, production, analysis & dissemination of intelligence, evidence & research on regional environmental matters here in the South West.
The Planning Module is managed and maintained by the South West Councils regional secretariat. It aims to collect, analyse and present evidence to support planning policy in the South West. In addition, it works to facilitate access to information, to co-ordinate and improve monitoring work and to provide a central resource for planning data and to be part of the delivery mechanism for the Regional Spatial Strategy - improving the quality of decision-making in both the public and private sector.
The Skills and Learning Intelligence Module (SLIM) was established in January 2001, following extensive consultation with regional partners. It is funded by the South West Regional Development Agency and the European Social Fund and provides data, analyis and reports on a broad range of skills, learning and education issues.
The South West Public Health Observatory (SWPHO) was created in 2005 as a result of a merger between the existing Public Health Observatory (Public Health Intelligence Team (PHIT)) and the South West Cancer Intelligence Service (SWCIS). It incorporates the Drug Treatment Monitoring System of the South West (NDTMS) and has an academic partnership with the Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol.
The Culture Module is the latest theme to join the South West Observatory network. It is managed by Culture South West and exists to bring the most up-to-date information and intelligence on culture to policy makers and practitioners across South West. Culture South West will be closing on 31st March 2009. This follows a review of regional cultural arrangements by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
