Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) and other External Inspections

Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA)

The Audit Commission introduced the CPA in 2002 to measure how well local authorities deliver and improve services to local people and communities. It looks at performance from a range of perspectives and combines a set of judgements to provide a Star Rating (0-4 stars) and a Direction of Travel, which assesses the council capacity to improve.

For 2007 the Council is rated 3 stars, Improving well.

The report says Bath & North East Somerset Council “provides value for money in its key services by delivering high performing and improving services while keeping its costs low”.

For details about the CPA ratings click on the Audit Commission links below;

Annual Audit and Inspection Letter

Every year the Council receives an annual audit letter from the external auditors. The letter summarises the conclusions and significant issues arising from the audit and inspection work.

Key findings summarised here:

The Council improved its overall Direction of Travel rating from last year’s score of 2, “improving adequately”, to a score of 3, “improving well”. This was achieved through improved clarity about the council’s ambitions for the area and a continuing focus on priorities in key service areas, supported by appropriate investment in the council’s ability to manage well and work in partnership with other organisations.

Annual Audit and Inspection Letter Home Page

Other External Inspections

Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED)

OFSTED inspects and regulates care for children and young people, and inspect education and training for learners of all ages

In 2006 the Council was assessed at 3 out 4 for Children’s Services.

Ofsted Website

Commission for Social Care (CSCI)

CSCI inspect and report on care services and councils to improve social care

In 2006 the Council was rated as 2 out of 3 stars, Serving most adults well with Promising capacity to improve.

CSCI Website - Bath & North East Somerset page

Benefits Fraud Inspectorate (BFI)

The BFI inspects social security benefit administration and counter-fraud activity in councils.

In 2006 the Council was rated as Good, or 3 out of 4.

Charter Mark Quality Standard

As part of the Council’s philosophy of continually improving its services and levels of customer satisfaction across the authority, we have committed to achieving ‘Charter Mark’, the Government's national standard for excellence in customer service. Assessment of compliance with the standards is assessed by external inspectors appointed by the Government.

Charter Mark Home Page

Peer Review

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement the council had a Peer Review in September 2006. This involved a review of the Council’s management practices against an ideal of good practice by a group of senior officers (peers) from other public sector organisations. After talking to staff, members of the public and partners, the key findings of the review were that we are a good authority with many good and excellent services and that if we are to improve performance further, we need to change and in this respect many of the building blocks are already in place. The next challenge is to deliver on this.

Peer Review Report