New ways of measuring Council performance revealed

Stirling Council has unveiled new radical proposals for measuring how well it’s delivering for communities.

Picture shows an example of of the Council’s key priorities in action - ensuring young people have the best start in life at Callander Nursery.
Picture shows an example of of the Council’s key priorities in action - ensuring young people have the best start in life at Callander Nursery.

Ten sets of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were presented at Thursday’s meeting of Council – one for each of the local authority’s 10 key strategic priorities that were agreed last December.

An Outcomes Based Accountability (OBA) approach has been used to develop the KPIs and the strategic priorities. This is an evidenced-based process that works backwards from the priority to identify the actions needed to achieve it.

Governments and local authorities in the USA, Australia and parts of the UK have successfully employed this system. 

OBA is a logic model that means the KPIs are developed with a focus on how programmes deliver for the people they are aiming to help.

Where are doing things right and where we can do better

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “Key Performance Indicators tell us how your Council is performing and delivering for all of us – the people of Stirling. And that’s really important.”

“Whether it’s how well we are recycling our waste, maintaining and improving our roads, creating jobs, protecting and improving the environment, getting more people active and living healthier lives, or educating our children – these measures tell us where we are doing things right and where we can do better. 

“We are using a radically different approach to KPIs that will enable us to see more clearly if the Council is making a difference for the people it wants to help. This has taken a lot of work, but in the long-term it will help us improve the lives for the people we serve, reduce inequalities and deliver thriving, sustainable communities.”

Formal approval of the KPIs will take place at individual committees.

The KPIs and Council’s strategic priorities can be viewed by downloading the agenda papers for the Council meeting.

To view a recording of the Council meeting, please head to our Broadcasting Platform.