UK Census Longitudinal Study Development Hub

The work of the development hub will involve the following work packages.

1. Actively take steps to drive forward the ambition of a UK Longitudinal Study

Initially, the Hub will build on existing exploratory work on the use of E-Datashield methods to allow analyses to be undertaken that mimic a situation where separate datasets are pooled. To build on the long-term goal of a UKLS, the Hub would develop code to produce 'UKLS variables', and research the implications of using closely matched variables where no exact match exists. Together with the RSUs the Hub discuss with the relevant statistical agencies the possibility of support unit's holding data from other LSes.

2. Promote the impact of the Census Longitudinal Studies

The Hub will promote impact by encouraging data citation and raising awareness of outputs and impacts of research. Impact case studies will be conducted on a sample of projects from each RSU. The Hub would also work with the RSUs to organise seminars and workshops showcasing LS-based research to targeted external audiences.

3. Deliver a single portal function providing the 'front door' to the Census Longitudinal Studies

The Hub will provide a first point of access for LS researchers, primarily by providing a main website for the UKLS which would give a broad introduction to each of the LS and links to the relevant parts of the three RSU websites.

4. Harmonise online tools, documentation and guidance, where possible

The Hub will work together with the RSUs to co-ordinate a more unified structure and design for their individual websites, as far as appropriate. Through discussions with the management group of RSU directors and statistical agency representatives, efforts would be made to harmonise documentation, application methods and guidance for users.

5. Deliver a single helpdesk for responding to generic queries

A more streamlined LS service would be further developed by the provision of a first point of contact for generic LS queries. This helpdesk would respond promptly to email and telephone enquiries, redirecting individuals to specific LS teams where appropriate.

6. Plan and co-ordinate training and outreach activities with a particular focus on reaching new users, in collaboration with Unit Directors and the UK Data Service

Outreach and training events would be co-ordinated across units in order to economically promote the RSUs to a wider audience. Pooling information on attendees to such events would also allow more targeted follow-up and make it easier to identify research groups who may not yet have been targeted as potential users.

7. Engage with other related organisations in the UK and overseas to stimulate the most efficient delivery of the service

The Hub will work closely with RSUs and the new UK Data service to ensure synergies are exploited and duplications of work avoided. It will be ensured that information sources effectively cross-reference the different services. The possibility of a unified researcher training package will also be explored. The Hub will act as a facilitator of work between the three RSUs and the UK Beyond 2011 Population Statistics Programme, encouraging discussions on alternative options for producing population and socio-demographic data.

8. Develop and maintain a distinctive identity of the service, in collaboration with the UK Data Service

By working towards the above aims of harmonising the three LS, the Hub will effectively create and build upon a distinctive identity. This will be further enhanced by the creation of a logo and dedicated Hub website. The possibility of having a single website for all RSUs would also be explored. The Hub would seek to facilitate collaboration between the RSUs and the UK Data Service on areas of shared interest.

9. the Hub will establish and manage a Scientific Advisory Network, consisting of external stakeholders from the academic, public and private sectors.

Because of its nature, the Hub is not involved in producing research output itself. However, it will play an important role in maximising the impact of outputs of projects by researchers using the three LS. Each RSU already strives to maximise the impact of its output through, for example, conferences, encouraging and enabling journal publications, website promotion and networking events. In addition, the LS are often used directly by policy-makers either as a source of data for their own research, or through requests for policy briefings and reports to be carried out on their behalf. The impressive lists of peer-reviewed publications already resulting from each LS testify to the impact that the resources have in an extremely diverse range of academic and professional disciplines. (see Academic Beneficiaries section above)

The Hub will further assist in maximising the impact of these outputs, primarily by providing a central focus point for work produced via the RSUs. A streamlined overview website, with links to complimentary pages in each RSU, is one obvious way in which it will be easier to showcase outputs and findings from LS projects. The Hub website will also actively promote the LS and their potential as research resources, either singly or in combination with each other. Joint networking and outreach events by the RSUs will be encouraged and facilitated by the Hub to expand the potential audiences they can reach. In addition, information on the Hub itself will be promoted through posters and flyers at key networking events.

The Scientific Advisory Network to be set up and maintained by the Hub will also be a useful and direct vehicle for increasing impact, since this will allow promotion of LS research outputs as well as allowing academics, policy-makers and professional bodies to give feedback and guide research in such a way that it is even more useful for their needs and interests.

In these ways, the Hub will have impacts for:

- academics from a diverse range of disciplines, by providing an easier way to access the LS, as well as by providing additional promotion for the output produced from their research;
- professional bodies, who - via the Scientific Advisory Network - can guide research which meets their own evidence needs;
- policy-makers and think-tanks, at international, national and local levels, who can find rich and unparalleled resources in the LS providing a strong evidence-base for their policies and recommendations, and who can also guide further relevant research via the Scientific Advisory Network;
- and ultimately the general public, who in the longer term will benefit from the results of research and policy derived from LS projects.