Issue - items at meetings - Performance and Risk Management Framework

Verbal Update

(This item was taken after Item 61)

63.1 Paula Black the Head of Analysis and Performance gave a slide presentation on progress in developing the City Performance Plan (CPP) and BHCC Organisational Health Report. The CPP had been requested by the Local Strategic Partnership and Public Service Board to monitor progress against City outcomes.

63.2 There was now no requirement to choose priorities from the National Set of performance indicators, according to new government guidance. The CPP would be focussed on outcomes agreed locally and not driven by targets. It would be based on priorities agreed in the Sustainable Community Strategy and how it is to be monitored will be agreed at a later stage. It will be in place in April and subject to review after a year.

63.3 Some Members felt that previous indicators were of value especially as they had been developed to reflect a range of viewpoints. Others were particularly pleased that national targets and performance indicators, which could be seen as inflexible, were not now a requirement.

63.4 Asked about the information that would be needed to monitor performance and the impact of the loss of national targets, the Head of Analysis and Performance said that outcomes and priorities would be set by Lead Commissioners and the Delivery Units with input from Members. Former performance indicators could still be retained if they were useful.

63.5 There was now flexibility for example, on milestones, indicators and distance travelled. This type of information could be included in the suites of monitoring data.

63.6 The CPP was a performance management tool not reported to Government and had no rewards attached so it was not anticipated that it would be taken to full Council.

63.7 Members asked how performance information would be reported to scrutiny and to the public and how transparency could be assured.

63.8  The Head of Policy Performance and Analysis stated that Scrutiny would be included in the CPP reporting timetable. The Cabinet and the Public Service Board would receive six-monthly updates.

63.9 OSC has the opportunity to scrutinise the proposals at an afternoon workshop on 18 March.

63.10 RESOLVED that the update be noted