Janie Percy-Smith

The new edition of this popular book has been substantially revised and provides a practical step-by-step guide to community profiling, invaluable for students and practitioners involved in community-based research. The book begins with consideration of what a community profile is, explores the different reasons why community profiles are undertaken and offers tips for planning research. It then looks at methods for collecting, storing and analysing data, and ways of involving the community, concluding with a chapter on ensuring your profile has impact. This book is fully updated throughout and includes: A new chapter on links between community profiling, policy development and practice A new chapter on selecting methods for data collection Bulleted key issues at the end of each chapter Case studies and boxed examples Further reading and a list of additional resources A new appendix for those who want to undertake more complex research A new glossaryCommunity Profiling is essential reading for anyone engaged in community profiling, social auditing, needs assessment or community consultation. Community workers and community practitioners across a range of disciplines including regeneration, neighbourhood management, library services, housing, health, youth work and social care will find it especially useful. It is also a helpful resource for voluntary and community organisations and students required to undertake community-based research.

Contemporary local governance in Britain comprises a complex network of organisations working in partnership to formulate policies to address local needs and issues. Within this, local government continues to play an important part in policy and practice and in the structures and processes of local democracy. This book provides a systematic assessment of the key development issues and debates that are shaping local governance now situating these in their historical context.