A method for councils to work out how well they are doing by comparing their performance with other similar councils, and with performance indicators (PIs). It is also used by PCTs, and various information sources such as the NHS Information Centre now enable statutory organisations to select benchmarking groups and national data sets in health and social care to compare performance.
Best value was a local government performance framework introduced into England and Wales by the Local Government Act 1999. The aim of the framework was to promote continuous improvement in local authorities’ performance. Under the framework, English and Welsh councils were required to monitor a set of best value performance indicators (BVPIs), undertake best value reviews of services and cross-cutting themes, prepare performance improvement plans and report on their performance annually. Subsequent regulations, including statutory instruments and the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, have removed requirements to publish performance indicators (PIs), undertake best value reviews or publish a best value performance plan (BVPP). However, the general duty to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which their functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness, remains.
Best value was a local government performance framework introduced into England and Wales by the Local Government Act 1999. The aim of the framework was to promote continuous improvement in local authorities’ performance.
Under the framework, English and Welsh councils were required to monitor a set of best value performance indicators (BVPIs), undertake best value reviews of services and cross-cutting themes, prepare performance improvement plans and report on their performance annually.
Subsequent regulations, including statutory instruments and the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, have removed requirements to publish performance indicators (PIs), undertake best value reviews or publish a best value performance plan (BVPP). However, the general duty to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which their functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness, remains.
The last printed version (please note the online version is more up to date) of the IMPRESS NHS Jargon Buster (pdf) is available to download here
Appendix 1
Appendix 2