English Community Needs Index

Definition

The English Community Needs Index (CNI) is a national measure of community and social infrastructure, assessing local areas based on civic assets, local engagement and connectedness. It helps identify areas with the weakest community support structures, guiding policymakers and organisations in targeting investment and support.

Also known as

CNI, Community Needs Index

Relevance to OCSI

Developed by OCSI, in partnership with Local Trust, the CNI is a key tool for assessing place-based inequalities, social capital and community resilience. It informs decision-making for funding allocations, particularly in under-resourced areas.

Related links and examples

• https://ocsi.uk/2023/05/24/community-needs-index-2023/
• https://ocsi.uk/2019/10/21/community-needs-index-measuring-social-and-cultural-factors/
• https://localtrust.org.uk/new-community-needs-index-cni-2023/

Featured posts

Case studies

The Welsh Community Assets Index and the Welsh Community Resilience Index – Measures of Community Need in Wales

In Wales many areas face dual challenges, lacking accessible local assets like…
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Data analysis

Exploring Scotland’s Census 2022 data at a small-area level

We’re happy to announce that data from Scotland’s Census 2022 is now…
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Research Projects

Developing a measure of Hyper-local Need: neighbourhood level data to inform Labour’s key missions

The Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (ICON) was created in September to examine…
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