Following a Best Value audit recommendation, Aberdeenshire Council decided to adopt and implement the PSIF model of self-evaluation.
The checklist approach landed well with our Strategic Leadership Team and Audit Committee alike and a two-year self-evaluation programme was approved in December 2021.
A pilot was undertaken within Customer and Digital Services commencing in February 2022. The process was slick compared to previous self-evaluation and the service saw a phenomenal return rate with almost 50% of employees taking part. Responses were considered during the consensus session which involved a cross-section of officers from the different teams comprising the Service. An improvement plan was developed at the improvement planning session. We held our sessions on consecutive days which harnessed the enthusiasm and learning from the first session.
The support provided throughout the process from the PSIF Team at the Improvement Service was first class. Their facilitation of the consensus sessions and breakout rooms enhanced that part of the process. As an organisation, knowing that we have the continued support of the Improvement Service, provides us with confidence to take forward this approach across the council.
The feedback from across the service has been positive. Kate Bond, the Head of Customer and Digital Services said:
“This was a really positive experience for the team. It was a very inclusive process, gave everyone a chance to have their say on what works well and what needs to improve, and has resulted in an action plan with clear measures of success. It’s now down to us as a team to follow through on those actions to deliver meaningful change.”
Contact: Fiona McCallum, Business Strategy Manager