PAPER B

ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE - 28 NOVEMBER 2001

SERVICE PLANS AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

To present sections of service plans that relate specifically to performance indicators and action plans so that successes can be highlighted and consideration can be given to any areas of underperformance and possible solutions (including any that might be addressed through the budget process) in line with the Committee's agreed work plan.

BACKGROUND

Service plans have been prepared for all the major parts of the Council according to a standard format. They cover what each service provides, the resources available, the level of current performance and the aims and objectives for the future. The plans were used during the post-election induction process and a set has been placed in the Member's lounge. Additional copies of any plan is available on request. The Appendices to this report contain those sections that relate to performance indicators and future aims. Other information about the scale of service, its budget etc. can be provided during the meeting itself, if required.

The District Auditor has supported the development of service plans across the authority but has recommended a considerable improvement in the consistency of content in year 2 and has emphasised that it is important to use the plans to drive improvements in performance. This is in line with this Committees' own thinking as expressed at the recent away day. The Auditor also made a further statutory recommendation in this year's report on the Council's Best Value arrangements saying that "Members role in performance management is not clear. A real focus on outcomes and the delivery of priorities is unlikely in these circumstances". This report is the first step towards addressing this comment and provides a tangible link between the scrutiny of current performance and any budget recommendations the Committee may make in the months ahead.

There is a considerable range of performance information available to Members, not least through statutory plans and guidance such as the Best Value Performance Plan.

Service plans aim to summarise the key information. Attached to this report Members will find information on numerical indicators / targets and standards; other achievements; benchmarking comparisons with other organisations where this is currently available; the aims and future targets of the following services :

� Coastal Management

� Highways and Transportation

� Operations

Following suggestions from Members it is intended to make a number of improvements to service plans this year for instance by including comparisons with other authorities where data is available. The Committee might, however, like to consider if the information presented gives a useful snapshot of performance? Is data presented in a clear way?, is it helpful to elected Members?, would it interest the public?, does it cover all important aspects of the service? And, crucially, does it provide a picture of strengths and weaknesses that will inform your decisions on priorities at budget time?

If the answer to any, or all, of these questions is no, then the Committee might like to consider possible improvements that can be incorporated into future service plans and the budget process.

The Committee might also like to consider if the information shows how the service is contributing to the Council's mission :

� To improve Island life

demonstrating the Council's values of :

� listening to people,

� working in partnership,

� giving excellent service,

� being open and fair, and

� caring for our unique environment.

Or addressing the corporate objectives to :

� care for vulnerable and disadvantaged people (eg. disabled access generally).

� raise standards of achievement, encourage learning and promote opportunities for all (eg. environmental and road safety education programmes, Coastal Centre).

� protect and enhance the health, safety and environment of the Island and its people (eg. cleansing services, planning and environmental services, coastal defence and instability management).

� develop the Island's transport network for the benefit of local people (eg. Local Transport Plan).

� support and develop staff and to manage the Council's property and resources efficiently and effectively (eg. staff training and development).

� promote sustainable tourism, leisure and cultural development (eg. planning, development control and coastal management policies).

Where appropriate, the Committee may want to suggest additions to the current service plan that makes these links more explicit in future.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

None as a direct result of this report but improvements to data collection systems generally can only be financed from within existing resources or as a result of successful budget bids.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee consider the services current performance and the information / future action plans currently available and :

1. Identifies any priority areas for service improvement.

2. Recommends any changes to the information available that it feels are appropriate, and

3. Indicates what service information it would like to receive in support of the budget papers in the future.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

Report to the Executive, 24 July 2001 - Best Value Action Plan (2000/01), District Audit Service.

Contact Point : Robin McInnes,  823705

M J A FISHER

Strategic Director of Corporate and Environment Services