Executive Performance Management Systems for local government

Executive Performance

Client: East Arnhem Regional Council, Willoughby City Council and others

Background:

An essential element of an organisation’s good governance framework is an effective executive performance management system. Many local governments find it challenging to design and implement effective systems that provide appropriate diligence in the execution of regular reviews and reporting. The following client councils placed significant importance on having a disciplined approach to their executive review and engaged Reinforcements to assist in the design of their systems and to provide independent facilitation of the review process.

East Arnhem Regional Council
North Burnett Regional Council
Fitzroy Basin Association
Central Highlands Regional Development Corporation
Tablelands Regional Council
Moreton Bay Regional Council
Willoughby City Council
Livingstone Shire Council
Isaac Regional Council

In some cases the system applied just to the CEO in others it encompassed the other executive officers as well.

What we did

In each case we assisted by initially working with both the Mayor and the CEO/ General Manager in establishing the scope of the desired system that would meet the needs and expectations of both Council and the executive officer(s).

The overall framework and structure of each system was agreed with the participants based on a few key elements reflecting a holistic and well-rounded profile of managerial, organisational and project outcomes to be assessed during the review period. Importantly the system provided for not just project outcomes but a focus on executive competencies as well.

The specific targets, indicators and measurement techniques were documented and agreed on to provide the foundation for periodic review and reporting. Independent facilitation was provided for both the annual and a mid-year review process for some clients.

Results

In all cases the resulting framework proved valuable in documenting both expectations and achievements relating to specific targets and provided the Council and the CEO/ General Manager with assurance of equitable process.

In particular the resultant regular dialogue was focused on a structured performance plan and enabled continual validation of expectations. This allowed an early stage identification of any changes in priorities or circumstances likely to prejudice the delivery of any of the original agreed targets.

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Livingstone Shire Council - Yeppoon beach
Isaac Regional Council - Area map