Performance Management Framework

This document explains our approach to performance management. It describes the systems, structures and supporting arrangements we have established in order to identify and respond to performance issues and drive continuous improvement.

Our performance framework applies to all services directly managed by the Council. However, it can also be applied to those services we deliver in partnership with other organisations: statutory partner organisations and regional delivery bodies.

Effective performance management will help us achieve the following objectives:

Help improve services and outcomes for people – goals are prioritised, and resources are allocated effectively.
Empower managers and staff – staff are motivated, aware of their own targets and goals, and understand their contribution to achieving the Council’s key outcomes.
Ensure the Council and its partners achieve what we have set out to do – provide an early warning of, and an opportunity to rectify poor performance.
Drive future improvement – the framework provides an evidence base for improved decision making and the efficient use of resources.

While it is important that this framework remains flexible, its basic elements will not change. This framework covers:

The culture that underpins our approach to performance management.
How our approach to corporate planning drives improvement.
The role that indicators and targets play within our performance management system.
How we monitor actions.
The infrastructure and resources we use to acquire, collate and analyse performance information.

The Council has a statutory duty under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 to review the extent to which:

it is exercising its functions effectively,
it is using its resources economically, efficiently and effectively, and
its governance is effective for securing the matters above.

These duties are met through our annual self-assessment report, and a Panel Performance Assessment which takes place at least once each electoral cycle.

Under the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015, the Council is also required to demonstrate how its priorities contribute to local Wellbeing Plan Objectives and National Wellbeing Goals. This duty is met through our annual self-assessment report.