In February 2021 we launched our Data Project, a three-phase project funded by the Lloyds Bank Foundation with the aim of helping NACCOM members to improve their data capture systems, increase their data confidence and capability, and develop new influencing opportunities. 

We know that the data collected by frontline services working to end migrant destitution and homelessness can be a valuable tool for tracking the impact of policies and influencing decision-makers to make positive change at both a regional and national level.  

Since the start of the data project, we have seen the benefits that collecting reliable, robust data can bring to frontline organisations. However, whether members strive to use their data to develop and deliver better services, or to make the argument for lasting change, we have also learnt that member organisations often have very different approaches to  collecting and managing data, and likewise face diverse challenges in doing so.  

A summary of the three phases of the project can be found below. To wrap up the project, NACCOM is pleased to launch three new resources: 

  • NACCOM Accommodation Tracker for Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets 
  • Members’ CRM Slack Channel 
  • Members’ Data Systems Resource Folder  

More information and links to these resources can be found later in this blog.  

What was the Data Project?

Phase 1, Annual Survey

The first phase of the project took place between February and May 2021 and focused on making improvements to NACCOM’s Annual Survey. Each year, the data gathered by NACCOM through our Annual Survey helps to shape and inform our policy, advocacy and research work. 

In anticipation of the launch of the 2021 edition of the survey, NACCOM worked with members who had previously reported challenges completing the Annual Survey to understand some of the common barriers to doing so. Based on this feedback several changes were made to the 2021 Annual Survey to make it more user-friendly. Since then, we have committed to the continuous improvement of the Annual Survey, with regular feedback from members, trustees, and key partners.  

Phase 2, Member Capability

The second phase of the project focused on supporting members to strengthen existing, and explore new, approaches to collecting data.  

In May 2021, NACCOM organised a series of online-drop-in sessions, which provided a unique space for members to discuss with data consultant David Waterfall any questions they had about data capture, and any problems they had encountered along the way to improving or developing data monitoring within their organisation. NACCOM subsequently hosted a series of Action Learning Sessions between May and August 2021. These sessions were designed based on the topics raised at the earlier online-drop ins and covered: ideas for improving referral pathways; ways to monitor outcomes to demonstrate impact and improve services; and top tips about Excel, client relationship management systems (CRMs), and other data collection systems.  

In January 2023, we launched a survey to help us better understand the data systems used within the network, and the ways that NACCOM could support members on their data journey. The survey reiterated the different levels of data confidence and capability within the membership, reflected in the wide range of systems – from basic Excel spreadsheets, to advanced, bespoke CRM systems – used to capture data about their services, and members’ varying experiences of these systems.  

Members had various suggestions on the type of data support that NACCOM could provide, including strategic support on how to use data more impactfully; training on generating complex reports, including those required for the NACCOM Annual Survey; and advice on GDPR compliance. Multiple members described having ‘outgrown’ their current system and being keen to learn about alternative systems being used within the network.  

Based on this feedback from members, we have compiled various training resources into a shared folder, available via the new members’ Data Systems Slack Channel. Phase 2 also involved the development and launch of the Accommodation Tracker, with the support of data consultant David Waterfall. More information on these can be found below.

Phase 3, Influencing Opportunities

The third phase of the Data Project aimed to develop the way that NACCOM and members use the data collected through the Annual Survey. In 2022, NACCOM engaged with key stakeholders from the homelessness and migrants’ rights sectors to raise awareness  and gauge their understanding of the data collected by the network, and understand how NACCOM could present the Annual Survey data in a way that was more impactful and relevant to their organisations. 

This led to the publication a specific briefing on destitution in the asylum and immigration system based on data collected in the Annual Survey 2022, which was repeated the following year with the publication of the Annual Survey Briefing 2023.  

In Spring 2023, NACCOM piloted a regional data briefing aimed at influencing decisions–makers in Yorkshire and Humberside. We have since continued to explore ways that data collected by members can be combined with other available data to evidence destitution locally and will be seeking views on this from members at NACCOM’s 2024 Summer Hubs.  

A concerted effort during this phase of the project to raise awareness of the data collected by the network and to put it to more strategic use has resulted in our Annual Survey data playing a more central role in advocacy work on migrant destitution, with the key statistics frequently being cited in external briefings and research reports, submissions and consultation responses to government, and media articles. 

Launch of the Accommodation Tracker:

The Accommodation Tracker is a spreadsheet tool designed to help NACCOM members track, analyse, and visualise basic information about their services and the people they support. It is aimed at members who are not currently using advanced Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems, and who are looking for a simple spreadsheet-based tool to manage data on their accommodation projects.  

Based on the information that users input into the spreadsheet, the Accommodation Tracker automatically generates key information and graphs on the services provided by your organisation – including data required to complete the NACCOM Annual Survey.  

The Accommodation Tracker works in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.  

The tool has been produced in collaboration with data consultant David Waterfall, with feedback from various NACCOM members.  

For more information about the Accommodation Tracker, please see our ‘How to Guide’. We have also recorded a step-by-step tutorial to support people using the tracker, which you can watch below: 

We are happy to arrange a 1:1 session with any members who are keen to use the Accommodation Tracker and would like help in setting it up.  

If you have any questions about the Accommodation Tracker, please contact [email protected]. 

Data Systems Slack Channel

As part of the Data Project, NACCOM is pleased to launch a new members’ Slack channel dedicated to data and data systems. We hope that this will be a space for members to share ideas and experiences related to data and data systems/CRMs, and to discuss and resolve common issues or queries they may have. We will also use this channel to share relevant training and opportunities in the future.  

Access to the Slack channel will give you access to our new shared folder, detailed below.

Data Resources – NACCOM Shared Folder

NACCOM has compiled a shared folder containing various resources related to the Data Project. The folder currently includes: 

  • Guides to data analysis for charities. 
  • Guides to using Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and other CRM systems. 
  • Guides to GDPR for charities. 
  • Relevant events and webinars. 
  • NACCOM Accommodation Tracker. 
  • Useful homelessness and asylum statistics. 

The folder can accessed be via the Data Systems Slack channel, which can be joined here. If you are unable to join the Slack channel but would like to access the shared resource folder, please email [email protected] for the link.  This folder will be continuously updated going forward. If there is anything that you would like us to add to the folder, please get in touch.  

Upcoming training

Data Orchard frequently host online webinars to help charities build confidence using data. You can find these on their website, and subscribe to their mailing list for updates on new training.  

Some free upcoming events include: 

Superhighways organise free training aimed at small charities, covering a variety of data topics. See their website for a list of upcoming events. 

NCVO also have regular (paid) training covering the basics of data protection and GDPR. View upcoming sessions on their website. 

If you have any questions about the Data Project, please contact [email protected].