Continuous Improvement

External assessment

The Council is committed to achieving continuous and measurable improvements in its delivery of services, and this has been recognised by the Audit Commission, an independent watchdog, and other inspectorates during the years of external performance frameworks (Comprehensive Performance Assessment and Comprehensive Area Assessment). 

The Royal Borough has attained the very highest rating every year since 2002, when overall assessment was introduced, making us one of the best performing councils in the country. 

However, the coalition government has dismantled much of the framework of external assessment since coming to power. As a result, the focus of accountability has shifted away from central government towards local people. We have embraced the transparency agenda and have made numerous data sets available through our Transparency Portal, enabling residents and other interested parties to continue to hold the Council to account.

Vital Improvements

As part of our drive for continuous improvement, the Council has developed and monitors a Vital Improvement Programme, to oversee all its major programmes and projects.  Its purpose has been to ensure that the highest profile improvement initiatives are suitably planned, resourced and delivered.  

In 2009 the programme was revised to incorporate all the key tasks set annually by the Council's Management Board.

See the latest reports to Cabinet below:

For more information, please contact the Service Improvement Team.