CPAs and improvement planning

The Audit Commissions Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) review of all fire and rescue authorities (FRAs) in England continues to move forward, with FRAs having received their final reports on 28 July 2005. The CPA process itself was described in FRS 11.

To assist with the next stage of improvement planning, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has published guidance on this and on the roundtable process. This is available on the fire pages of the ODPM website.

Now that the final reports have been received, FRAs will be looking to move on to the next stage of the process – using the outcomes of the CPA to plan improvement by reviewing self assessment priorities, as indicated by the strengths and weaknesses identified in the report.

The ODPM and the Audit Commission will be working with authorities to support the improvement process. Once an FRA has reviewed its plans for improvement, they will meet with the authority in a round-table discussion to:

• Offer advice, guidance and ‘what works’ examples to help with improvement priorities.

• Look to identify new examples of innovation and good practice in areas of strong performance, which can help other FRAs.

• Consider how future assessments and audits can support improvement.

• Look at what support is available, in terms of training, development and other resources, through the Local Government Capacity Building Programme, to meet the needs of the FRA.

Depending on the priorities identified in improvement plans, this may provide new opportunities for staff training and development.

Further details of all aspects of Comprehensive Performance Assessment are included in issue FRS 13.