Improvement Service

Application form for partnerships wishing to take part in the Improvement Service/Scottish Centre for Regeneration project on embedding an outcomes approach in tackling poverty/community regeneration.

Written evidence to the Local Government and Communities Committee on the Single Outcome Agreement approach and on the ‘Interim Report from Local Government on the 1st Phase Single Outcome Agreements in 2008-09’. This paper provides the Committee with information which supplements the Interim Report, in advance of the oral evidence session on 27 May 2009.  It briefly covers: the context for reporting on Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs); the practicalities of reporting; the Community Planning process; and next steps.

Flyer booking form for the Consultation Workshops taking place on 17th and 19th June 2009.

This is the interim report from local government on the progress made in implementing the first phase Single Outcome Agreements in 2008-09. This report is provided by COSLA, SOLACE and the Improvement Service to inform the Scottish Government, the Scottish Parliament and local government's wider partners and communities of the initial benefits arising in 2008-09 from the move to SOAs. This report covers: context; capacity; practicalities of reporting in 2009; learning and experience; national partnership developments; local partnership developments; conclusion.

Elected Member Briefing Notes are provided by the Improvement Service to help elected members keep apace with important issues affecting local government. This first briefing on Single Outcome Agreements discusses what they are, why they matter and what they mean for elected members.

This briefing provides key points and supporting points in relation to the Improvement Service's work on Single Outcome Agreements, in particular, the review of the 2008 SOAs; the development and delivery of the 2009 SOAs by CPPs; and SOA development work.

The Scottish Parliament's Local Government & Communities Committee is following the development of Single Outcome Agreements and received this written evidence for its meeting on 18 June 2008.

The SOA Development and Self-Assessment Toolkit builds on the process the Improvement Service followed when it held workshops with Inverclyde Council and East Dunbartonshire Council to develop a first draft SOA. The Toolkit contains a sequence of questions that can help the self assessment of the process used by a Council in developing its SOA. These questions can also help in preparation for discussions with the Scottish Government. The Improvement Service will continue to develop this resource over the next few months, to support Councils for the sign off of their SOAs by 30th June. We therefore welcome your suggestions and contributions for the further improvement of the Toolkit.

An overview of the current state of outcome-based approaches in England and Scotland. The report examines the pros and cons of local outcome agreements (LAAs) in England, supported by examples. It also provides an overview of the 'Oregon Shires' approach to outcome management used in the USA.

Appendix 1: Mandatory and optional outcomes from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Appendix 2: Derby City Council Main outcomes and indicators from Derby's Local Area Agreement. 

Appendix 3: Stockton-on-Tees Borough Main outcomes and indicators from Stockton-on-Tees' Local Area Agreement. 

Appendix 4: Gateshead Council Main outcomes and indicators from Gateshead's Local Area Agreement. 

Appendix 5: Wigan Council  Main outcomes and indicators from Wigan Council's Local Area Agreement.

Presentation given by Alex Linkston, Chief Executive of West Lothian Council, at the Best Value Conference 2006. West Lothian Council Outcome Agreement. In an outcome agreement, the outcomes are determined by combining the priorities of the community with Scottish Executive priorities. This gives a focus on front line services compared to the current initiative culture, which focuses on inputs and processes. Outcomes will be assessed by a rigorous and robust performance management system.