Community Needs Assessments
Listen before you act.
What Does A Community Needs Assessment Capture?
The process is vital to supporting local communities and helps organisations understand what matters most to local people so that projects, services, or funding can deliver real value where it’s needed most.
This information helps housing providers, local authorities, and organisations like Cyd Innovation to make better decisions, ensuring that investment delivers positive impact that’s relevant, targeted, and measurable.
A Community Needs Assessment gathers evidence about:
- The current challenges people are facing within their respective communities
- Services or support these individuals need
- Local priorities (social, economic, environmental)
- Gaps in existing provision
- Strengths and opportunities within the community
Discover how our Community Needs Assessments help councils and organisations deliver targeted, impactful service delivery:
What A Community Needs Assessment Includes:
Data Capture Methodology:
- Surveys or questionnaires
- Focus groups or interviews with tenants
- Data analysis (fuel poverty stats, health indicators, local economy)
- Engagement with community groups, schools, local businesses
- Asset mapping (what facilities or support already exists)
- Reporting findings with clear recommendations
Benefits For Your Organisation
- Shape projects around community priorities
- Invest your resources where they’ll have the greatest impact
- Demonstrate to your clients and stakeholders your genuine commitment to social value
- Predict challenges or community opposition to projects and identify proactive solutions
Ready to understand your Community’s Needs?
Case Study: Why Do Community Needs Assessments Matter in Housing and Retrofit?
Retrofit projects affect people’s lives. A CNA might reveal important information about residents within a particular area, further helping cause for their case:
- Are experiencing fuel poverty
- Have low awareness of energy efficiency options
- Are concerned about disruption from works
- Want more local training and job opportunities
- Need support to use new heating systems
This insight allows us to design retrofit programmes that support local communities not only by improving homes but also by building trust, creating jobs and reducing bills.
