Aiken is right to warn that, if implemented, the proposed indicators could severely set back the sector's progress. One major flaw is the Audit Commission's insistence that it can come up with one set of indicators to fit the needs of the whole sector, from the Home Office to a tiny district council. Another is that its indicators are focused on outputs, not outcomes.
While there is a useful dialogue under way with the profession, and the CIPR Local Public Service Group is working hard to ensure the indicators are fit for purpose, there is a fear that the commission would rather get this job done quickly than properly.
In its current form, the Audit Commission's proposals could do more harm than good.
Polly Rance, head of media and external relations, London Borough of Hackney, and member, CIPR Local Public Services Committee
