Work areas

Sustainable Development Indicators

Indicators can be a powerful tool for clarifying what we mean by sustainable development and if we are achieving it - provided they are the right indicators. CAG have been active in evaluating indicators, often revealing significant assumptions and value judgements lying behind apparently 'objective' indicators. We have also helped numerous public bodies to select and develop indicators. Here our watchword is 'fitness for purpose': we aim to help clients get the best from indicators by first deciding how they are going to use the indicators.

We offer:

• Advice on good practice in indicator development
• Assistance with developing sustainability and related indicator sets, often in consultation with stakeholders
• Help with identifying and assembling data for indicators
• Analysis, interpretation and presentation of indicators

Some examples of our work include:

Indicators for the East of England

We reviewed and updated the indicators for the East of England Regional Sustainable Development Framework. Based on this we produced a Trends Update which summarised regional trends and data for the East of England, and advised on integrating the use of indicators with the Framework.

Historic Environment indicators for Yorkshire

We developed historic environment indicators for English Heritage Yorkshire Region in consultation with regional stakeholders. (With the Council for British Archaeology).

Integrated Rural Development Indicators for the Forest of Dean

We developed a set of indicators on behalf of the Countryside Agency. They were designed to measure the success of the Integrated Rural Development Programme in encouraging economic development which builds on, and protects, the special qualities of the Forest.

Countryside indicators

We reviewed 'state of the countryside' indicators for the Countryside Agency, paying particular attention to rural deprivation and social exclusion.

Sustainable tourism indicators

We developed a national set of sustainable tourism indicators for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, in consultation with a diverse range of tourism stakeholders.

Effectiveness of sustainable development indicators

We prepared a report on the methodology and effectiveness of sustainable development tools for the English Regions Network. For this we looked in-depth at five selected tools including sustainability indicators. See our report on the East Midlands Regional Assembly website. (With the Centre for City and Regional Studies, University of Hull.)

For more information contact

Helen Chalmers
01691 828026 
hc@cagconsult.co.uk