Define before counting
Indicators need a purpose, numerator, denominator, source, collection frequency and owner. The same label can hide different definitions across countries or institutions.
RESEARCH SERVICE / GARC
Data, Indicators & Benchmarking
Measurement and comparison for strategic understanding.
GARC / RESEARCH
What GARC can deliver
Measurement and comparison for strategic understanding.
Potential outputs
Indicator frameworks, benchmarking, data reviews
Who it is for
Public institutions, universities, research organizations, foundations and specialist organizations with a defined evidence or research need.
Method and governance
Each engagement begins with a defined question and scope. Appropriate methods, source transparency, quality review, data protection and required ethics approvals are agreed before implementation.
GARC / RESEARCH
Related capabilities
All services
Research Services
Research, evidence, evaluation, policy intelligence, knowledge translation and research infrastructure for institutions.
View pageGovernanceResearch Governance, Quality & Integrity
Scientific integrity, responsible governance, ethical research, data stewardship and quality improvement guide the center’s development.
View pageCollaborationPartner with GARC
Explore research and knowledge collaboration with universities, institutions, public bodies and specialist organizations.
View pageSERVICE APPROACH
From question to deliverable
The scope and proposed output are agreed before research begins. The work is presented as a capability, not a claim of a completed GARC commission.
Comparable data
A benchmarking plan assesses coverage, missing data, age groups, reporting periods and changes in methodology before comparing results.
Useful interpretation
The deliverable pairs an indicator dictionary and visual reporting with plain-language limitations and a process for updating the data.
WORKFLOW
How an engagement is governed
The details vary by project, but the decision gates remain explicit.
Scope and proposal
Agree the question, audience, deliverables, timeline, access needs and review responsibilities in writing.
Ethics, data and rights
Assess whether human-participant approval is needed, define data handling and agree authorship, intellectual property and publication conditions.
Review and use
Review the draft for accuracy, limitations and accessibility before release; agree how the output will inform a real decision or next research step.
SCOPING EXAMPLE
Example scoping question
A practical way to define the engagement before work begins.
A starting question
Can two institutions compare access or outcomes when they use different definitions, collection periods and reporting systems?
A possible output package
Indicator dictionary, data-quality review, comparison rules, visual reporting specification and update plan.
What is agreed at the outset
The parties agree the final scope, method, review, responsibilities, timeline and permitted use before any commitment is described as an active GARC project.