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Performance Information Strategy


The Government’s strategy for performance information 'Improving Performance Information' was developed as a result of a recommendation in the Performance and Innovation Unit report ‘Wiring it Up’. 

As part of the strategy a guide to performance information:  ‘Choosing the right FABRIC:  a Framework for Performance Information’ has also been published.  This document is published jointly by the Treasury, the Cabinet Office, the National Audit Office, the Audit Commission, and the Office for National Statistics and contains principles agreed by the five organisation. 

There is also a Quick Guide which provides a set of checklists which may be used to review the strengths and weaknesses of existing performance measurement systems or to assist in the design of a new system.

Click on the links below for a list of places and contacts where people can go for additional help and advice on performance measurement. 


National Audit Office Directorate of Performance Measurement

The Audit Commission Centre for Performance Measurement

The Office for National Statistics

The Performance Information Panel, based in the Treasury

The Cabinet Office’s Modernising Public Service Group's Performance Measurement Team



National Audit Office Directorate of Performance Measurement

The Directorate of Performance Measurement co-ordinates work on performance measurement in financial audits, reviews of central government bodies’ governance arrangements, and in value for money studies.  It ensures that the advice and support given to departments in the course of audit business reflects this breadth of experience.  The Directorate also frames value for money studies to afford Parliament a view of progress in measuring performance, while aiming to establish and promulgate good practices. The Directorate can help departments, agencies and NDPBs with the development of sound and cost-effective performance measures and measurement systems.

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The Audit Commission Centre for Performance Measurement

The Audit Commission has established a small team in a ‘centre of excellence’, called the ‘Centre for Performance Measurement’. The purpose of the Centre is to research and publish advice on the development of effective performance information and measurement in local authorities and the health service. It will also engage in active learning with organisations and individual managers who are tackling specific performance measurement problems.

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The Office for National Statistics

The Office for National Statistics has a central unit which can provide advice on methods, and on quality assurance for statistical systems through central government.  The unit maintains links with the academic community, and can advise on how data systems can be put on a methodologically sound basis.

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The Performance Information Panel, based in the Treasury

Performance Information Panel brings together sources of expertise from around government, including the Cabinet Office, the Office for National Statistics and the Treasury, together with representatives from the National Audit Office and Audit Commission.  The secretariat to the Panel will act as a central contact point for requests for advice which can be directed to the experts most able to help.

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The Cabinet Office’s Modernising Public Service Group's Performance Measurement Team

The Cabinet Office's Performance Measurement Government team works closely with the Treasury to promote the Modernising Government agenda through PSAs and SDAs and other aspects of performance measurement. As part of the Modernising Public Services group, it also contributes to policy development in the areas of performance information, target-setting and reporting in departments, agencies, NDPBs and local government.

Tel 020 7276 1717.  Web site:  www.cabinet-office.gov.uk