Being able to measure performance is a key step to managing performance. Most organisations in the public and private sectors use formal performance frameworks as a means to secure coherent performance management and report progress to their boards.
In its final review of the quality of the data systems used by departments to measure progress against PSAs, the NAO underlines the vital importance of measuring government performance.
The National Audit Office has published a survey report on the performance reporting arrangements between 41 NDPBs and their 12 sponsor departments.
This report sets out good practice in developing a performance framework, reporting performance information, and ensuring performance information is used. Based on a survey and case studies, the report includes a model that organisations can apply to evaluate the maturity of their own performance system.
We commissioned some work with two volunteer Departments in Spring 2008 to assess the measurability, relevance and costability of Departmental Strategic Objectives – with a view to informing wider guidance on integrating financial and performance management and reporting.
This guidance has been developed to help those involved in the process of agreeing targets for Executive Agencies set challenging targets that will help deliver the outcomes and the standard of service delivery the public expect.
A joint publication by the NAO, HM Treasury, Cabinet Office, Audit Commission and Office for National Statistics summarising our common thinking on this subject, in particular the need for a good system of performance information to be Focused, Appropriate, Balanced, Robust, Integrated and Cost Effective.
