Accessible data for inclusive decision-making

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

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.

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.