YPIP brings together academia, policy makers, and communities to explore evidence-based decision making through place-based initiatives

Accessible data for inclusive decision-making

Accessible data for analysis and inclusive decision-making on different levels

Yorkshire and the Humber is made up of local authorities that have varying governance structures, and combined authorities which are at different stages of maturity. Additionally, a variety of public sector and community organisations are working across different geographies and operating systems to collect valuable data that is not typically available via a single access point.

The Yorkshire and Humber Office for Data Analytics (YHODA) have developed the Yorkshire Engagement Portal (YEP), a regional data hub that provides open-access data and tools that support inclusive, evidence-based decision-making across the region. By integrating public data into accessible and interactive dashboards, the hub supports local partners and communities in understanding local trends, defining community needs, and shaping policies that promote sustainable economic growth.

How We Work

The YHODA team have established a Management Board which includes expertise from the University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), and Sheffield City Council to progress the operational development of this work. YHODA also has a dedicated Advisory Board that consists of representatives from key groups in Yorkshire and the Humber who have expertise in policy implementation and data use at local, regional, and national levels. The Advisory Board provides valuable recommendations and guidance to support YHODA’s work and ensure that the development of YEP aligns with the needs of its stakeholders.

Why It Matters

For policymakers to make informed decisions that benefit citizens, they need reliable and up-to-date data. However, the vastness and complexity of the region makes data sharing and coordination difficult. Although communities face similar issues, addressing them effectively requires a unified approach and considerable expertise in data analysis that is not always available.

Our Priorities

Enhance data accessibility – integrating regional and local economic, social, and environmental datasets.
Empower local decision-making – providing a tailored toolkit for data insights called the Yorkshire Vitality Suite (YVS).
Strengthen regional collaboration – connecting policymakers, communities, and researchers with each other.

Yorkshire & Humber Office for Data Analytics (YHODA)

One of the main priorities of YPIP is to improve how data is used to support inclusive decision-making across the region. To support this aim, we have established the Yorkshire & Humber Office for Data Analytics (YHODA) which will act as a regional hub for open-access data and analytics.

Building on recent data initiatives in the region, such as the successful collaboration between the University of Sheffield and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to create the South Yorkshire Office of Data Analytics (SYODA), we have extended this model to a regional scale. YHODA is currently based at The University of Sheffield and led by Professor Vania Sena.

We bring together data from trusted sources such as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and transform complex datasets into clear insights that are ready for use by policymakers, local authorities, and communities. By making fragmented public data easier to access and understand, we hope to reduce duplication, improve transparency, and ensure that regional and local decisions are grounded in reliable evidence.

Find out more about YHODA and our projects at yhoda.sites.sheffield.ac.uk

Yorkshire Engagement Portal (YEP)

The Yorkshire Engagement Portal (YEP) is YHODA’s free online data hub, offering interactive dashboards and resources that help policymakers and communities to understand the region’s economic, social, and environmental vitality over time. At the heart of YEP is the Yorkshire Vitality Suite that includes six interactive dashboards:

Observatory – tracks over 50 economic, social, and environmental indicators across the region and visualises changes over time, trends, and relationships between key indicators.
Industry – provides insights into the structure of local economies, how industries contribute to economic performance, and identifies areas of growth and opportunity.
Jobs – monitors shifts in the workforce and occupational trends to support skills development and workforce planning.
Neighbourhoods – provides insights for nine indicators at hyper-local levels, helping to inform targeted services and community planning.
Forecasting – anticipates future changes in population, emissions, and claimant counts, providing forward-looking insights to guide local strategies.
Policy Simulator (coming soon) – tests the potential impact of policies and investments before implementation, exploring different scenarios to support early-stage planning and reduce risk.

By acting as a single point of access, YEP makes it easier for local authorities, communities, and regional partners to use reliable data without the need for specialist expertise.

Engaging with Stakeholders

YHODA is working closely with regional partners to ensure that this is shaped by the people who will use it. From local authorities and combined authorities to voluntary and community organisations, stakeholders across Yorkshire and the Humber are helping us define priorities, identify the most useful datasets, and test the tools we are building.

This collaborative approach means that YEP is not just a collection of dashboards, but a platform designed around real-world challenges. Here are some of the ways in which we seek feedback from our stakeholders:

Formalised advisory input from local government, health, climate, and economic partners that guide the technical development of YEP.
Direct feedback from events and demonstrations where we have presented our work helps us to identify gaps and challenges we have not considered.
Ongoing dialogue with community groups to make sure the platform is accessible and relevant beyond technical audiences.

We will continue to engage with stakeholders as the development of YEP continues and welcome any feedback.

YHODA Team [email protected]