1. What is the Bradford Observatory?
2. What is the aim of the Bradford Observatory?
3. Who can use the Bradford Observatory?
4. What can the Bradford Observatory provide?
5. Where does the information from the Bradford Observatory come from?
6. Who can I contact for information and how do I contact them?
7. How should I publish information I obtain from the Bradford Observatory?
8. How do I know the data is accurate?
9. How does the Observatory link with the JSNA and the Big Plan?
10. How do I register?
11. How is the Bradford Observatory managed?
12. What software do I need to use the site?

1. What is the Bradford Observatory?

The Bradford Observatory is a 'one-stop shop' for relevant and up to date information and intelligence about Bradford District and covers 6 main themes: Prosperity & Regeneration, Children & Young People, Safer Communities, Health & Wellbeing for All, Improving the Environment and Strong & Cohesive Communities. It is free, interactive and user-friendly and supports a multi-agency approach to analysis, research and intelligence sharing within the district.

2. What is the aim of the Bradford Observatory?
The aim of the Bradford Observatory is to improve, inform local decision-making, support partnership working, service planning in Bradford and facilitate sharing of research studies. It provides a systematic approach to providing key data and reports, which will help users conduct analysis from multiple data sources and gives easier access to data and information about Bradford District.

3. Who can use the Bradford Observatory?
The Bradford Observatory is designed to be used by anyone, including Health Promotion Specialists, Data Analysts, Performance Managers, Neighbourhood/Community Teams, Project Coordinators and anyone who is interested in Bradford District. Everyone can access the Observatory website. Please note: a login name and password are required to access the mapping and data section, these details can be obtained from the Observatory Team.

4. What can the Bradford Observatory provide?
The Bradford Observatory supplies data, analysis, reports and maps which cover a range of themes including health, education, environment, the economy, crime and demographics. Observatory Staff are available for interpreting data and providing support to Observatory users to help them understand what information is required to support their work programmes.

5. Where does the information from the Bradford Observatory come from?
Information is provided by various local agencies, including Bradford Council, NHS Bradford and Airedale, West Yorkshire Police, Education Bradford and nationally by government organisations such as the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

6. Who can I contact for information and how do I contact them?
For any queries you have, or if you require help regarding reports or data, a member of the Bradford Observatory Team will be able to direct you to the appropriate part of the website or person to answer your queries.

The Bradford Observatory Team includes analytical capacity in the form of developmental programmes of work which will support cross agency working within Bradford District. Any requests for help or information regarding data on the different themes should be made via contact us, with the appropriate theme selected.

7. How should I publish information I obtain from the Bradford Observatory?
Information that you use in any reports or pieces of work should by written as follows: Source: 'Quote the source of the data provided'. Downloaded from the Bradford Observatory http://www.bradfordobservatory.com (then give the date you downloaded the information) i.e. Source: JSNA 2008. Downloaded from the Bradford Observatory http://www.bradfordobservatory.com (19/05/2009) .

8. How do I know the data is accurate?
Data comes from reputable data sources which have been agreed and sourced from all partner agencies. Formal data sharing agreements are put in place with all providers of data for the Observatory which clearly define and quality-assure the data as well as and ensuring consistency over time.

9. How does the Observatory link with the JSNA and the Big Plan?
The Observatory is being designed specifically to underpin the main theme areas of Bradford's 'Big Plan' (Community Strategy) and Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and information is being organised under the appropriate headings.

10. How do I register?
Much of the Observatory website is open to any user with or without registration. Access to data and maps is however presently restricted to registered users. Users can request a user login account by contacting the Observatory Team Click Here.

11. How is the Bradford Observatory managed?
The Observatory is jointly managed by Bradford Council and NHS Bradford and Airedale, coordinated by a multi-agency Steering Group. Details of the main partners can be found at the Partners page Click Here, details of the governance arrangements of the programme can be found here Click Here.

12. What software do I need to use the site?
The main website does not require any software on your PC, however the mapping area of the website uses Adobe Flash and Autodesk Mapguide and you will be prompted to download these if you do not already have them on your PC. Please be aware that the specific 'Maps and Stats' area of the site however does not work on Mac or in certain web browsers.