This audit used by Sefton Council in Merseyside measured performance against the 11 standards of the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services. It provided a robust framework of actions across organizations. The audit tool, produced by joint-funded local authority and Primary Care Trust staff, was sent out to all the major providers of children’s services, and was then subsequently analysed. It gave clear indicators of gaps across services either statutory or nonstatutory. The audit tool has also been widely circulated throughout the local strategic health authority, as well as being used by other organisations including Acute Trusts.The audit results are being used strategically to evidence good practice, reveal gaps and inform the Single Children and Young Person’s Plan of priorities, within the local health economy. Information in the audit had the added bonus of identifying pockets of good practice as well as perceived gaps. The timescale for the audit and implementation plan was less than one year.

The audit is available at: http://www.idea-knowledge.gov.uk/idk/aio/959227