Evaluation
An interim evaluation (please see related documents) of the programme to ensure it was ‘on track’ to deliver success indicators by programme end, December 2008, has been carried out. Between November and December 2007, Simon Hughes Associates collected, analysed and interpreted information relevant to regional performance, regional capacity building strategy, structures, project design and delivery, programme management and support and outcomes in the context of the changing landscape (CSR07, National Improvement and Efficiency Strategy, Regional Improvement and Efficiency Strategy, Local Area Agreements and Local Authority strategies). Contributors to the report included local authority Chief Executives and leaders, the Improvement Board, LGYH and partners (including IDeA, GOYH and Audit Commission), SIG (Strategy Implementation Group), SDAG (Service Delivery Advisory Group) and funded projects.
Nothing in the report came as any surprise to SIG who welcomed confirmation that the programme had robust management and support and was generally ‘on track’. There had been significant improvement in the performance of Local Authorities and of Fire and Rescue Authorities. There had been gains in terms of corporate capacity, partnership working, service delivery and efficiencies. The overall target of ensuring there were no ‘poor’ or ‘weak’ authorities in the region had been met and all authorities were actively engaged in improvement
Work on the final evaluation commenced in July 2008. Success indicators for the programme can be found under related documents.
A report of the final evaluation will be avilable in early 2009.