Developing a Performance Profile for Local Authority Cultural Services
In Autumn 2003 the DCMS commissioned Angela Watson and Associates (AWA) to develop a performance management framework to assist local authorities to:
- Demonstrate the contribution that cultural services make to cultural, social, economic and environmental objectives;
- Evaluate how well their services are currently performing;
- Highlight achievements and service improvements; and
- Identify the right actions to support and improve cultural services in the future.
AWA has now presented their final report to the DCMS, which sets out their final conclusions and recommendations to the Department on developing a Performance Profile for local authority cultural services. It follows a seven-month process of research, review and assessment of performance management frameworks and models, and of identification, development and refinement of performance measures, definitions and data collection systems.
The conclusions have been informed by internal and external consultation with DCMS partners, stakeholders and other organisations with an interest in the performance management and improvement of cultural services. They have drawn in particular on the experience of local authorities, through their participation in piloting or desk-based testing of the draft performance profile.
DCMS has raised with the Audit Commission the issues discussed in the report. The Department will continue to work with partner organisations over Summer 2004 to establish a firm basis for the development of performance information for the culture and leisure sectors in local government.
Developing a Performance Profile for Local Authority Cultural Services Report PDF (705kb)
These documents are available online in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format.
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