Part two: Tools for understanding local community dynamics

Public bodies, voluntary organisations and most importantly, communities themselves hold a vast amount of information about what's happening in their areas, how people are feeling and the impact of changes, different situations, circumstances and events. Putting the individual pieces of information together can help build the 'big picture'.

Part Two of the Guide outlines some of the techniques and models for understanding community dynamics. Some are tried and tested, some are new pieces of good practice and some are emerging practice or research. It is not intended as a comprehensive or prescriptive list, but an indication of areas of exploration and development which can enrich the tension monitoring system.

Part Two aims to widen and deepen the information being fed in to the system outlined in Part One - making it more sophisticated and more effective. The group could look through the tools and consider the priorities for local development as part of the Annual Plan. Web links and some 'in practice' examples are included for further information and ideas.

Introduction

The Experienced, Evidenced, Potential model is only as useful as the quality of the information fed into it. Given the vast amount of information that exists, the vexed question is - what information is useful and how can it be handled in a manner that is manageable?

First, it is important to recognise that information is different from intelligence. 'Information' - in this context - includes anything that may be in the public domain, whether it is true or not. False information can be as useful as true information, especially in the sphere of tension monitoring, where myth and rumour are powerful forces. When information gleaned from communities is analysed alongside other pieces of information and its' relevance and resonance triangulated, then it may become 'intelligence' which might be used to inform assessments and interventions.

This part of the guide looks at information held by the range of individuals working in and with communities and how to capture this, better use of 'open source' of information and the shortcomings and opportunities of population data.

Most importantly, it considers the vital aspects of building relationships with and between communities and building community cohesion.

The tools are about understanding more about community dynamics and cover: