New report on managing performance and improvement in local authorities

An Accounts Commission report says gathering, analysing and acting on performance information is essential to improve services and the quality of people’s lives. But no single council has all the elements of a comprehensive performance and improvement framework in place.

Managing performance: are you getting it right? offers practical pointers and support to help councillors and officials. It says effective management of performance is everyone’s business – from the chief executive down. In well-run councils, it is embedded throughout the organisation as part of the day job and not seen as a burden. A key element is getting the culture right with councillors and officials sharing a common purpose and vision and setting clear priorities.

Councils in Scotland spend £21 billion a year – or £40,000 every minute - but cannot easily compare their performance in particular services against other councils.

Sometimes information itself is poor quality or the focus is on bringing in electronic systems rather than developing the corporate culture. Lengthy performance reports are often ineffective because critical issues are buried in the detail. Councils are also large organisations – so they have to prioritise areas important to them.

Chair of the Accounts Commission, John Baillie, said:

“Establishing effective performance management isn’t easy but it can and does deliver huge benefits for councils, their staff and the quality and effectiveness of the services they offer the communities they serve.

“We hope this report helps guide councillors and officials on the steps they can take to make it happen. It is particularly important at this time of tight financial pressures that they do have effective performance management to maintain quality services and ensure they are getting the best value for every pound spent.”