Information for Local Authorities

eSAY Data Standards

The data standards used in the eSAY data collection can be downloaded below here...

eSAY Data Collection Guidance 2012

Guidance notes for the 2012 data collection are now available and can be downloaded here...

We have made a number of changes to codes and definitions for the 2012 guidance document after talks at the last data group and responses to the guidance consultation survey. The definitions and codes that have changed are: 

Accommodation Type

We proposed changing accommodation type in a number of different ways including separating people who receive paid support in mainstream housing from people in supported accommodation. We’ve made this change and we’ve also included two new categories to cover those who live in mainstream housing but do not receive paid support and people who live in mainstream housing whose support status is unknown. This was in response to a proposal made by a consultee that support in mainstream housing is attached to the person whereas in supported accommodation the support is a buildings based service.  

Employment Opportunities

A number of local authorities stated a preference for paid/unpaid employment to be collected instead of open/non-open employment. We attempted to incorporate this however it became clear that these codes are not synonymous and a change such as this would alter the structure of the collection as voluntary work is currently counted under day opportunities. As such, we were unable to make this change and the codes will remain as open/non-open employment for the 2012 collection. We plan to take forward a development project on the employment item next year and this will be one of the key changes considered as part of this.

Day Opportunities 

Further to data group discussion the codes in this item have been revised and simplified. It was felt the previous codes were too complex and the new codes are designed to enable accurate recording of those who have alternative opportunities at the evenings and weekends. All of the consultees agreed with this change.

Local Area Co-ordination

Further to data group discussion, this item has been changed to record primarily use over availability. All consultees agreed with this.

Previous data collection documents

If you would like to look at eSAY data collection guidance from previous years you can do so here...