Calderdale Project
Profiling is not about finding a 'quick fix' for a short term issue - it requires time, skills, resources, expertise, processes, data and understanding. The first step is therefore to be clear on why you want to do it - having specific objectives for profiling will drive all other elements and ensure you stay focused and achieve those objectives.
Questions to address
Some questions you may want to ask / address before embarking on a profiling project:
- Why does your organisation want to do profiling? What do you want it to achieve?
- What skills do you need to do it - what do you already have and are there any gaps? How will you manage / fill these gaps?
- What budget do you have to buy in any tools / skills you may need?
- Do you need senior management support / buy in? If so, how will get this?
- What timescales are you working to? Are the service issues / objectives time specific?
If you are unsure how to answer some of these, try the following:
- Research the internet and look at forums
- Talk to other local authorities who have used profiling
- Review case studies
- Read toolkits and guidance that is available from recognised bodies - see Links Section.