Why join performance networks?

As local authorities continue to focus on efficiency; income generation and innovative working, performance measurement and management continues to be at centre stage.  Active performance networks members have an greater knowledge of their service which proves invaluable. 

A word from Debbie Johns, Head of Performance Networks

What is performance benchmarking?

Performance benchmarking is the first step in identifying performance gaps - it allows you to look at current trends in your data and project future trends depending on your current performance.  This level of insight allows you to monitor your progress over time and assess whether or not you are meeting your goals.  Performance Networks can support you in this analysis - your membership fee includes data usage training and subject matter expert advice, whenever you need it. 

Members of performance networks, not only measure KPI’s to monitor their own performance, but crucially benchmark against other local authorities, allowing them to find new and innovative ways to improve each service.  Current members have identified this networking aspect of their membership as one of the most valuable benefits. 

Why should we benchmark?

Continuous benchmarking can help you identify early warning signs of problems to take corrective action. Through the suite of performance reports members receive across the year, PN members have valuable knowledge to enable them to make informed decisions about their service - they can make data-driven decisions based on facts. 

This in turn breeds a culture of continuous improvement in your authority. As you benchmark your performance against others you are working to constantly improve your service.  Performance Networks is constantly evolving to the needs of our members, new KPI's recently have been introduced across all services including carbon reduction and climate change declarations.

Benchmarking allows you to goal set, you can improve the performance of your service, by identifying the current position and where you want it to be. Goals created through monitoring performance are new, more competitive, and realistic. This in turn, improves communication within your authority and creates a more focused work environment.

Our members perspective: 

Thank you to the service managers who contributed their time to being interviewed.