The process of shaping cross sector inspection and risk assessment is becoming clearer. As I have previously posted, the Audit Commission, working with other services inspectorates, is developing a trial methodology for undertaking risk assessment in support of the move toward Comprehensive Area Assessment (see the Audit Commission document – Assessment of services beyond 2008 – in the downloads section).

A greater focus on the citizen experience and the citizen perspective, and making audit, assessment and inspection results more publicly available are cornerstones of the new approach. In developing the framework the Inspectorates are also required to ensure that there is compatibility between the different performance frameworks.

The work of the Audit Commission and the other inspectorates will feed into six strategic cross-government project boards that have been established to take forward the Local Government White Paper commitments (see the paper in the downloads section – Strong and prosperous communities). The six project boards will be:

• Running LAAs (enabling measures, Agreements & Reviews ‘07)

• Designing new LAAs (‘08 transition)

• Governance and Partnerships (x-boundary partnerships inc. LAAs)

• Information, Indicators & Targets (CSR07 link, data systems, data quality)

• Assessment, Inspection and Review (CAA, LAA annual reviews, LGA self-assessment model)

• Improvement Capability & Innovation (LSP capacity building, GO role and capability)

The project boards will all report to an overarching Programme Board.

Related posts:

1. Assessment of local services
2. And they spoke with one voice. And the voice said…
3. Anyone measuring anything around here that anyone cares about?
4. HMIC – Rounded Assessment Consultation
5. It’s good to share at Christmas