Community auditing/profiling
Description
Community auditing means using a range of different techniques to build up a picture of the profile, needs and experiences of a group of people. This could be in a particular area, or a particular community of interest.
They could be used to explore a particular issue. For example, you could undertake a community health audit, or a community safety audit.
You should use a range of methods to gather information about the community. This can include:
• Gathering quantitative data about the community
• Surveys, focus groups and resident interviews
• Visual methods – for example mapping strengths and weaknesses of the area
• Neighbourhood walks, and so on.
You should design the community engagement methods that you use based on your own local circumstances. It is important that you involve communities in designing the way your community audit will be undertaken.
What do I need?
To do a community audit or profile, you need:
• To be clear why you are doing the audit
• To commit to taking action based on the results of the audit
• To work jointly with the community
• Time and money to plan and undertake the consultation activity.
Further information
Renewal.net has produced useful guidance on how to carry out a community audit.
