Inexperienced users
If you have limited experience in the use of this type of toolkit you will probably use the DET as a commissioning tool. The most essential element of the toolkit to familiarise yourself with is the definition of the Cultural Sector. You should also direct consultants to the definition of the Cultural Sector as well as the data sets, the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) table and the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) table. (see links below)
Research Commissioners – First time users of the DET
If you are a research commissioner and this is the first time you have used the DET, you will probably use the DET as a commissioning tool. The DET is a 'signpost' to information sources and how to access them enabling researchers and policy makers to make better and more consistent use of existing data and statistics on the Cultural Sector.
One of the major obstacles to comparisons of the many regional studies that have now being undertaken in the UK is that different ways have been used in calculating business count, employment and turnover. Using the DET, will allow your research to be collected in such a way that makes it consistent and comparable with other research and data.
For example, you may be tasked to collect information on employment in the Creative Industries for your local authority. By following the guidelines in the DET official data on employment collected in the Annual Business Inquiry (ABI) can be analysed and your results will be comparable.
top
Data gatherers
If you are gathering the data yourself you should familiarise yourself with all of the information provided here in the website. The getting started page guides you to data sources and provides information on how to use them. This page also links you to definitions and other useful information about the toolkit and its development.
Policy Makers
Depending on your familiarity with data you may use the toolkit as a commissioner of research (if you have limited experience) or as a data gatherer (if you are more confident in working with the data using the required classifications).
Receivers of research/analysis
For those users who are the receivers of research and/or analysis on the Cultural Sector the toolkit provides a standard definition of the sector, identifies the data sources and their uses and provides the conceptual background to the toolkit. The getting started page will help you understand the key elements of the toolkit but you will not need to identify and collate data, as described in the 'how do I do this' section of each data source listed. (see links below)
top
Below is a list of the most important elements of the toolkit. You will need to be familiar with these sections. More importantly, you should be able to direct consultants to them.
- 1.01 Definitions. This section provides some background information on the way the DET is structured. In particular, it is important to be aware of the use of 'domains' and the 'production-cycle' in describing the cultural sector.
- 1.02 Data sets. This section describes available data and where to locate it. It is not essential that you locate and use the data, but you will need to direct consultants to this information.
- 1.06 Standard Classifications Background. This explains the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system and the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system.
- 1.07 Standard Industrial Classification - SIC. This is a list of all the SIC codes that are used to generate data on the cultural sector. Consultants may need to use these codes to collect data on employment and economic performance.
- 1.08 Standard Occupational Classifications - SOC. This is a list of all the SOC codes that are used to generate data on the cultural sector. Consultants may need to use these to collect data on employment.
A technical guide can be downloaded for those with an interest in the finer details of the framework's development.
