PMMI project

The IDeA and the Audit Commission joined forces in the Performance Management, Measurement and Information (PMMI) project to promote a joined-up approach on performance management. The aim of the project was to develop a common approach and language on performance management in all areas of work, from publications to consultancy and audit and inspection. It also created a range of resources to support local authorities in delivering improvement.

Background

For many years both the IDeA and the Audit Commission have been working, in their distinct roles, to help authorities to improve their performance. IDeA’s ‘Making performance management work’ and the Audit Commission’s ‘Performance breakthroughs’ have been two of the more recent publications focusing on performance management. Direct support for authorities focused on performance management is provided bv activities such as the IDeA’s Performance Support and Local Government Improvement Programme, and Audit and Inspection from the Audit Commission. Both organisations have worked in collaboration on performance management in the past through the Library of Local Performance Indicators and the publication ‘Acting on facts’ which focused on the use of performance information to drive improvement. 

Findings from comprehensive performance assessment and the Local Government Improvement Programme demonstrate that performance management is a key characteristic in the success of a well run local authority and an essential ingredient for improvement. 

Local authorities and PMMI

The PMMI project team worked closely with local authorities. PMMI's inception was marked by a series of conferences in summer 2003 where we asked people from councils all over the country about what were their key issues in performance management and how the PMMI project should be shaped so that outputs are fit for purpose. Find out what was said by downloading the full report (PDF file, 12 pages, 66KB) or read the summary (PDF file, 4 pages, 46KB).  

Our guidance and products were developed with the help and advice of the many officers and councillors who supported the PMMI project.  Through our performance management reference group, the PMMI community of interest, the action research programme and the councils who helped us publish stories of improvement, we have been able to bring together a wealth of knowledge to share among the wider local government community.  A summary of the project findings and outputs can be found in this summary flier (PDF file, 6 pages, 85 KB).

The IDeA is continuing to work with local authorities as they share information about performance management practice and innovation through the Policy and Performance Community of Practice and the Performance Management Community of Practice (free registration required).

PMMI products and resources

You can also find a range of tools, guidance and checklists in the performance management resource pack.  This resource is also structured around our guides to performance management.