Performance management should be an integral part of the policy lifecycle. It should embrace assessment of the rationale for policy intervention, options appraisal, monitoring, evaluation and feedback to facilitate learning about “what works”. It enables the relevant policy and partner organisations to learn, develop and mature. It is, therefore, both backward and forward looking and integrated into policy development and delivery as a management tool. It is not something that is just “bolted on”.
SQW has experience and expertise with performance management across highly diverse policy areas. We have been engaged in the design and development of performance management frameworks, as well as the conduct of a wide variety of policy, programme and project appraisals and evaluations. So, we know the practical possibilities and limitations of performance measurement and management and how they should be taken into account when designing, developing and refining performance management frameworks, structures and systems.
We are familiar with the methods and techniques for planning and structuring appraisals and evaluations, for obtaining the relevant information, for analysing it and for reaching judgements based on the analysis. Our evaluations typically include an assessment of partnership processes, and their impact on the effectiveness of the relevant programme. We combine a rigorous analytical approach with a concern to provide practical advice and improve the effectiveness of interventions.
Examples of SQW projects
Review of international performance measurement approaches
SQW was commissioned by Audit Scotland to review international approaches and practice in the performance measurement of economic development agencies and departments with similar remits to Scottish Enterprise. The study involved a comparative assessment of the different approaches adopted in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand and the USA.
The development of a methodology and evaluation framework for assessing the impact of the English Regional Development Agencies
SQW was commissioned jointly with PA Consulting by the DTI, other central government departments and the RDAs to prepare an evaluation framework and methods by which the impact of the RDAs – individually and collectively – on regional and national performance could be assessed. We have since been commissioned to help in the implementation of the framework and to apply it in the preparation of an RDA Impact Report for input into the 2007 Spending Review.
Review of the monitoring and evaluation framework for Skills for Business
SQW was appointed by the Sector Skills Development Agency to review the existing framework to take account of policy developments following the Leitch review, and to design and populate the logic chains that should underpin the new framework.
Review of business development support across government departments
SQW has been involved in a range of projects looking at the potential for rationalising business support services. We have reviewed a wide range of business support evaluations to look for benchmarks and common performance measures. We carried out the evaluation of the Welland Pilot Project which considered the ways in which business support could be streamlined and made more effective in peripheral rural areas.
Evaluation and monitoring arrangements for social inclusion partnerships in Glasgow
SQW was commissioned by the Glasgow Alliance to review evaluation and monitoring arrangements in eight Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) across Glasgow. Our task was to ensure that each SIP was on track to meet the requirements of the Scottish Executive. We also provided the client with guidance on how to evaluate community and voluntary sector participation and partnership working. SQW concluded this report with a series of presentations on the framework to the SIP Boards.
Framework for assessing the contribution of housing association activity on wider social, economic and environmental conditions
Housing associations are increasingly becoming involved in work which is aimed at sustaining the communities in which they are located. This can involve workspace, training, benefits uptake and community development. Scottish Homes wished to encourage this by first, establishing what was going on and, second, measuring the benefits. SQW established a framework for addressing both of these objectives, based on widespread consultation among housing associations.