Introduction
PSAs are at the centre of the Government's performance
measurement system. They are usually three year agreements, set
during the spending review process and negotiated between
departments and the Treasury. They set objectives for the priority
areas of government's work.
This PSA is led by the Department of Health, with data provided
by, amongst others, the Office of National Statistics (ONS). There
is a named officer within the Department who is responsible for
maintaining a sound system of control across Departmental
boundaries that supports the achievement of the PSA. The underlying
data systems are an important element in this framework of
control.
The most recent public statement provided by the Department on
progress against this PSA was in the 2009 Autumn Performance
Report.
The purpose and scope of this review
The Government invited the Comptroller and Auditor General to
validate the data systems used by government to monitor and report
its performance. During 2008-09, the National Audit Office (NAO)
carried out an examination of the data systems for all the
indicators used to report performance against this PSA. This
involved a detailed review of the processes and controls
governing:
- The match between the indicators selected to measure
performance and the PSA. The indicators should address all key
elements of performance referred to in the PSA;
- The match between indicators and their data systems. The data
system should produce data that allow the Department to accurately
measure the relevant element of performance;
- For each indicator, the selection, collection, processing and
analysis of data. Control procedures should mitigate all known
significant risks to data reliability. In addition, system
processes and controls should be adequately documented to support
consistent application over time; and
- The reporting of results. Outturn data should be presented
fairly for all key aspects of performance referred to in the
target. Any significant limitations should be disclosed and the
implications for interpreting progress explained.
Our conclusions are summarised in the form of traffic lights.
The ratings are based on the extent to which departments have:
- put in place and operated internal controls over the data
systems that are effective and proportionate to the risks involved;
and
- explained clearly any limitations in the quality of its data
systems to Parliament and the public.
The findings from
the 2008-09 validation exercise (PDF - 276KB) were reported to
the Department in August 2009 and cleared with the Department in
September 2009.
June 2010