13 April 2006
Councils will be able to measure how successful they are in engaging with their communities, with the help of a new tool which is available online.
The Audit Commission, the independent body responsible for monitoring how public funds are spent, has launched the Internet-based system entitled Knowing Your Communities: User Focus and Diversity Toolkit, which it hopes will help councils in dealing with local residents.
Through using the toolkit, which is available of the commission's website, councils will be able to measure how well they understand the needs of the community and also if they are successful at addressing these.
Councils are able to assess themselves and then compare their success with that of other councils.
'This toolkit will help councils address the new emphasis on user focus and diversity in our corporate assessments," says the Audit Commission's chief executive, Steve Bundred.
He adds that this online toolkit will help councils identify problems and issues "on their doorstep", while providing examples of "crucial" best practice.
Mr Bundred concludes that the website will enable councils to improve existing services and assist them in the planning and provision of these.
© Adfero LtdKeep up to date with industry and Nomensa news by signing up to Nomensa newsletters.
