Performance Management Framework
Self-assessment
An important element of any performance management system is the process of self-assessment, in effect evaluating if we have achieved what we initially set out to do. Each year, the Council produces a comprehensive annual self-assessment report, which looks back on performance over the previous financial year and evaluates delivery of the Wellbeing Objectives set out in the Corporate Strategy, as well as some key corporate priority areas.
The annual self-assessment report is one of the key mechanisms through which we are held to account. The report goes through formal public consultation with key stakeholders and is subject to oversight from Governance and Audit Committee, and approval by full Council. It sets out the Council’s conclusions on the extent to which it has met its performance requirements during that financial year, and any actions it intends to take, or has already taken, to improve performance. It also sets out forward looking improvement actions to target areas of under-performance, or to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.
While the publication of the self-assessment report is important, it is the process of self-evaluation and assessment that has the greatest impact on the organisation’s ability to secure continuous improvement. It achieves this in two ways. First, by involving managers, staff and members in the production of the self-assessment report, greater ownership of the improvement agenda is fostered. This in turn is more likely to stimulate the intrinsic motivation which we know drives improvement to a greater extent than simply issuing instructions. Second, genuinely open and honest self-evaluation aids with the identification of priorities for future years and encourages organisational learning.
The timetable for producing the self-assessment is the same each year, ensuring it is adopted by Council by late-autumn and published shortly afterwards. The publication date of the self-assessment report is also designed to support our budget planning cycle, to help us ensure that our arrangements to achieve our priorities are adequately resourced.
The Council is required to undertake a Panel Performance Assessment (PPA) at least once each electoral cycle. This is another form of evaluation used to assess the extent to which the Council is meeting its performance requirements. A PPA is an independent, organisational-level assessment that is undertaken by expert peers, designed to support the Council in seeking external challenge and assurance. The PPA also encourages the Council to embrace different perspectives around how it is performing and how it can improve. Alongside the main areas of evaluation, as defined by the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, the PPA also looks at key areas where the Council feels it would benefit from particular insight and assurance from the panel.
There is a range of other annual reports, often with a statutory basis, which the Council produces and which link to our overall approach to performance management. Examples include the Annual Governance Statement and the Director of Social Services Annual Report. Where possible, reporting timescales are aligned to reduce duplication and to ensure performance is reported consistently.
For more information on this document or on performance management in the Council more generally, please contact Dan Shaw, Corporate Planning Manager on 01437 775857 or dan.shaw@pembrokeshire.gov.uk.