The framework for assessing the performance of the 238 smaller councils has been published by the Audit Commission. The Comprehensive Performance Assessment regime was introduced for the 150 larger councils last year. The assessment will produce a single overall rating of excellent, good, fair, weak or poor .The regime methodology will consist of a corporate assessment drawing on external audit, a Benefit Fraud Inspectorate report, and two diagnostic assessments of the management of public space, and housing. Councils will be scored on ten themes: ambition, prioritisation, focus, capacity, performance management, achievement on quality of service, achievement of improvement, investment, learning and future plans.

Read more on PERFORMANCE GOAL POSTS SET FOR COUNCILS…

Home Secretary David Blunkett has called for a re-think of the way that police services are governed. Findings from research conducted bythe Home Office working with the Association of Police Authoritiesshowed the public had little understanding of just how the police were accountable. Mr Blunkett said that it was deeply concerning that people do not understand the current accountability arrangements and do not feel that they can influence how the police are run.Police governance is part of the wider reform agenda to promote social order, the development of a just society and reform of the criminal justice system. Mr Blunkett has called for the police, police authorities, Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and others who care about policing to join in the debate on how community involvement and accountability can be strengthened. The focus of the debate will be how to develop a society in which individuals and their families are empowered, enabled and supported by government to take part as active citizens in shaping what happens in their community.

Read more on POLICE GOVERNANCE SHAKE-UP AT THE HEART OF REFORM…

Coaching styles of leadership could be the key to solving the UK’s low productivity. According to the latest research from Harvard Professor Michael Porter, Britain is less productive in output per hour than Germany, France and the US in sectors such as manufacturing, construction and financial and business services. This book notes that the focus of attention for HR professionals has moved on to boosting personal productivity, giving all employees the scope to organise themselves while still providing the necessary tools and boundaries. Coaching is now firmly established as a major weapon in the manager’s arsenal, and it is of significant benefit to those employees looking to improve their own working efficiency. Combined with the support of effective mentors, this can help organisations to reap real productivity gains.Published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. ISBN 085292 9587. 22.99 pounds for non-members. http://www.cipd.co.uk/bookstore

Read more on COACHING FOR THE FUTURE…