Using CAT data to tell our story
CAT data can be utilised effectively to tell the story of Landcare at a local or regional scale
Efficiency - LEP23_036_RLC1_8
The issue
Our staff diligently complete all the reporting required in their roles, including submitting Coordinator Activity Tracker (CAT) data for each activity they undertake. The CAT data requires all staff employed through the Landcare Enabling Program (LEP) to record achievements such as workshops delivered, meetings hosted or attended, grants submitted or received, restoration work undertaken and media postings. This data enables Landcare NSW to track and report on the achievements of the LEP at a state level. But it is important to note that we can also use the data at a local or regional level, to highlight our achievements to our local media, stakeholders and community members.
The solution
Taking the ‘data dump’ of all CAT entries for a given period (we typically use a calendar year), it is a simple process to categorise and summarise the information at a regional level.
The Excel version of the data enables sorting by category and date, allowing easy interrogation of the data. An important initial step is to ensure the accuracy of the data, which involves ensuring activities are not counted more than once (such as where an event was attended by multiple staff, or a grant was reported on when submitted and again when received). Data should also be checked for consistency, as in some cases people interpret the categories in different ways. Once these checks have been completed, it is a simple case of sorting and tallying the data, and then working it into suitable formats for presentation to different audiences and platforms.
The impact
The volume and impact of our work can sometimes go unnoticed, with everyone always so busy working on numerous projects, events and other tasks. When you are able to step back and look at the combined impact of Landcare across a region, it can be incredibly rewarding to reflect on the huge achievements that have been made over the course of a year.
For several years, Murrumbidgee Landcare have compiled our CAT data into an infographic which is incorporated into our Annual Report, and shared widely through newsletters and social media. When we have Project Officers working outside of the LEP, we can add their achievements to the CAT data to present a comprehensive picture of Landcare in our region.