Following a positive PCI first pilot, the host authority, Falkirk, identified a range of actions to drive improvement in their delivery of Scottish Welfare Fund for its local community. The evaluation from the pilot offered valuable learning which we have used to adapt our approach as we embark on further pilots. It also provided clear evidence of the value gained during the Scottish Welfare Fund pilot, both for the host authority and for the peer reviewers.
Some of the feedback from the first pilot included:
“It was a real chance to review and improve on the way the Scottish Welfare Fund worked within the Council. Because it was being peer reviewed externally it was through fresh eyes with no real pre-judgements or answers.”
“We had already thought of and discussed with the team some of the suggestions made already - however a lot of these changes were not acted on (change can be painful and the status quo is often reverted back to). The fact that other authorities showed how these can work and aid staff greatly in their task and role was fantastic.”
The willingness from all involved to develop and provide the best service for its users. The host authority firstly with the 'buy in' from all levels from frontline staff to management and the willingness to improve. This also was apparent from the review team authorities, in that although they were selected due to their high performance, it was clear that all involved were happy and willing to review their own provision, what works and how, what could be done better and taking note of other points that could still provide benefits to their own service. The willingness from all to improve what they do.
“Although part of the peer review group and seen as one of the high performing LAs for Scottish Welfare Fund, there is always opportunity to improve. This collaborative approach across local authorities allowed ideas to flow back and forth from all involved. It has also provided myself a new experience which I feel I have benefitted from personally being involved with the process and leading some aspects of the review.”
The whole process has been beneficial not only for the host authority, but it is apparent that the peer review team authorities also managed to gain from the experience, and also on a personal level I have found the whole experience hugely beneficial and assisted with my own development.
“The general organisation and structure of the process was fantastic.”
“The process was very well organised and the support throughout was greatly appreciated nothing was a bother. The amount of time and support by all was greatly appreciated.”
“The process was well structured, organised and delivered, I was kept up to date and was clear and confident about my role in the process. The level of support delivered from my LA and the Peer Review Service was beyond my expectations, the range of knowledge that was provided by fellow colleagues and the time invested within the peer review has been extremely beneficial. There was a good balance of online and in person.”
The IS was very helpful in facilitating the process, while supporting the involved LA's with the working experience & knowledge to be as involved in the process as possible and giving them the opportunity to put their points across in a well thought out manner.
“The commitment, openness, and participation of all parties was beyond reasonable expectations.”
“The leaders and peer group workers were open and transparent. Everything was explained clearly and there was plenty of opportunity to engage and share and help shape.”
Phone: 07747 711310
Phone: 07827 230905
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Local Government Benchmarking Framework
The LGBF brings together a wide range of information about how all Scottish councils perform in delivering services to local communities.
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Public Service Improvement Framework
The Public Service Improvement Framework (PSIF) is a self-assessment approach to support improvement in organisations.
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The Crerar Review
Report of the independent review of regulation, audit, inspection and complaints handling of public services in Scotland.