EXPLORE
Explore is a set of resources designed to support Local Authorities and Combined Authorities with integrated, place-based, strategic planning.
Today’s local authority challenges require joined-up thinking across departments, professions, and organisations. But attempts at join-up can suffer from being overwhelmed by data, inappropriate simplification of complex issues, or lack of a clear shared agenda.
Explore uses common targets to support integration
Explore focuses on four apex targets, which are above those held by individual council departments, to support integration. These are health, well-being, nature, and sustainability. This bridges the gap between technical information and practical solutions.
Explore targets are the health and wellbeing of the Local Authority population, nature within its borders and the sustainability of the local economy.
Explore is made up of three components and a facilitation package
The components:
Which provides carefully chosen and explained data showing current progress in the health well-being nature and sustainability domains.
Which provide an accessible and non-technical overview of the key factors for improving the outcomes.
Horizon Scanning Cards and Futures Wheels
Horizon Scanning Cards and Futures Wheels to help you make sure your plans are resilient to expected changes.
In addition to these, the Facilitation Pack* guides you through a logical process for maximising outcomes with your strategy and contains additional resources including a historical review.
*To help us understand how the Facilitation Pack is being used, we are keeping a record of access to the Miro board. Please email HWNSTool-Project@naturalengland.org.uk and we will provide you with the password.
The best time to use Explore is at the beginning of the piece of strategic thinking
Explore is best used when there is still freedom to change the strategy being developed. It is also an effective way of including a diverse array of voices from inside and outside council.
Explore is designed with, and for, Local Authorities and Combined Authorities
Explore was designed by a group of national government organisations and Local Authorities and has been extensively piloted. It will also be of use to other organisations involved in place-making. For example, the third sector, community groups and national government and agencies may find it useful.
Explore is flexible
The facilitation package sets out a logical way to use the explore components as input to a new strategy, but you are free to use the components in any way which meets your needs. You can also combine elements of Explore additional tools data and maps.
Explore is free to access
All the Explore resources are available for free from this website. Facilitation support is available from Local Partnerships.
Explore is best learnt about through experience
Please explore the website, consider how you might use Explore, and get in touch. The best way to understand the potential of the framework for your place is by speaking to someone who has used it, attending a demonstration or observing a workshop (HWNSTool-project@naturalengland.org.uk)
Facilitation guidance and resource
Health, Wellbeing, Nature and Sustainability insights for your local area
Explore what factors matter for local-level health, wellbeing, nature and sustainability outcomes
Driver and pressures card-deck for local place-making
The EXPLORE Framework was developed in partnership with
