Composite indices combine multiple indicators into a single, structured measure that can reveal patterns of need, inequality or opportunity that are difficult to see through individual datasets alone. Well-designed indices can support policy development, resource allocation and strategic decision-making.
We are one of the few organisations with extensive experience designing national and local indices of need, combining statistical methodology, policy insight and practical application. Our work includes leading the development of major measures such as the English Indices of Deprivation, the Community Needs Index and the Hyper Local Need Measure.
The result is a robust and transparent measure that helps you understand complex patterns of need and use evidence confidently in policy and decision-making.
We work with you to define what the measure should capture, the policy questions it should address and the geographic scale at which it will operate.
Through evidence review and data exploration, we identify indicators that best represent each dimension of the measure while ensuring strong national coverage and policy relevance.
We develop the statistical framework used to combine indicators, including weighting approaches, transformations and methods to ensure reliable small-area data.
Indicators are processed and combined into domains and overall scores, producing a consistent and comparable measure across all areas.
We review the results to ensure the measure performs as expected, testing sensitivity, data quality and the robustness of the methodology.
You receive the completed index with clear methodology documentation, plus an analysis report exploring geographic patterns of need at regional, local authority, and neighbourhood levels.
Send a message to the OCSI team and we’ll be in touch to discuss how we can support you.
Identifying the people and places least likely to be in a good...
Providing a new way to assess how social and economic challenges cluster...
Identifying where limited community infrastructure overlaps with economic deprivation across Wales.