Method

Purpose

Survey of and interviews with 16 departments33 and wider stakeholders described in Figure 2

To collect information on transparency arrangements

Interviews with the Cabinet Office's Transparency team

To determine the Cabinet Office's role in the transparency agenda, and to collect information on the progress of implementation

Document review of central and departmental strategic and operational plans for transparency initiatives

To supplement interview evidence

Case studies. Analysis of schools, community based care services for adults, police, and local government sectors

To review case examples of how information is provided to the public for accountability purposes, and in support of wider reforms

Consultation with developers and the media

To understand the perspectives of intermediaries in realising potential benefits of transparency

Review of central and local government data releases

To assess compliance with Treasury guidance on departmental spending data, and for councils with the Department for Communities and Local Government's Code of Recommended Practice