Our work programme for 2008/09
Consultation on Proposals for National Performance Audit Studies - October 2008 to March 2010
We are pleased to launch the consultation on our future programme of national performance audit studies. Our consultation paper lists 37 potential areas for examination across the Scottish public sector. We welcome views from our stakeholders about which of these potential studies will be taken forward to form our forward programme of work over the next two years. These views will ensure our work is broad and balanced, and focuses on where we can have most impact.
The consultation paper provides an overview of each of the 37 potential topics and we welcome comments by Friday 12 September 2008. Please use the Response Form to send us your feedback on individual proposals by email to FSPConsult@audit-scotland.gov.uk or by post to:
Audit Scotland, Future Study Programme, 18 George Street,
Edinburgh EH2 2QU
Consultation on proposals for national performance audit studies
Equalities
Due for release: 13 November 2008 for the Accounts Commission
Summary: This study will examine how councils have implemented their race equality duties and consider the experience of council service users from black and ethnic minorities. The study will focus on one or two service areas which have not been the subject of similar studies.
Contact: Douglas Black, Project manager, Public Reporting, Local Government tel: 0131 625 1856
The First ScotRail passenger rail franchise
Due for release: 20 November 2008 for the Auditor General
Summary: This study will assess the performance of the First ScotRail franchise and Transport Scotland’s efficiency and effectiveness in managing the franchise. The study will also identify where franchise performance and management may benefit from further improvement which could provide better value for money.
Contact: Tanya Drury, Project Manager, Public Reporting, Central Government tel: 0131 625 1872.
Diagnostic services
Due for release: 27 November 2008 for the Auditor General
Summary: This study will review the efficiency and effectiveness of diagnostic services and the scope for improvement. We will analyse the performance of diagnostic services against waiting times standards and assess the sustainability of the strategies that have been put in place to improve diagnostic services.
Financial overview of the NHS in Scotland
Due for release: 4 December 2008 for the Auditor General
Summary: Our annual overview of the NHS in Scotland will focus on financial issues arising during the 2007/08 financial year. We will report the financial position of NHS Scotland and health boards and examine the main cost pressures affecting the NHS.
Promoting and improving energy efficiency in the public sector
Due for release: 11 December 2008 for the Auditor General
Summary: This study will examine how well local authorities, NHSScotland and central government bodies are promoting and improving energy efficiency across their own estates.
How government works: central government’s use of consultancy services
Due for release: 15 January 2009 for the Auditor General
Summary: This report, on how central government uses consultancy services, is a further study in the How Government Works series.
Asset management in the NHS
Due for release: 29 January 2009 for the Auditor General
Summary: Our review will evaluate the extent to which the NHS manages its assets to support effective service delivery and ensure value for money. The study will examine the way the Scottish Government and NHS boards strategically manage NHS assets.
A Scottish Prescription - Managing the use of medicines in hospitals follow-up study
Due for release: 19 February 2009 for the Auditor General
Summary: This report will follow up on progress made against key recommendations in our 2005 baseline study, A Scottish prescription - Managing the use of medicines in hospitals.
Contact: Carolyn Smith, Project Manager, Public Reporting Group, Health and Community Care Tel: 0131 625 1847
Overview of the local authority audits
Due for release: 26 February 2009 for the Accounts Commission
Summary: To follow.
Civil contingencies planning
Due for release: March 2009 for the Auditor General / Accounts Commission
Summary: The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 established a new legislative framework for civil protection across the UK. This study will assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the arrangements in Scotland to deal with emergencies. In particular, the study will review the implementation of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 in Scotland, examine how well relevant organisations are working together at national, regional and local levels and provide a baseline against which improvements can be assessed in the future.
Contact: Becki Lancaster, Project Manager, Public Reporting Local Government. Tel: 0131 625 1863
Overview of mental health services in Scotland
Due for release: March/April 2009 for the Auditor General / Accounts Commission
Summary: This study will provide an overview of mental health services in Scotland. We will be reviewing activity, planning, performance and spending on mental health services within the NHS and councils. We will also be looking at the contribution of the voluntary sector to the provision of services and obtaining the views and experiences of service users and carers who have used mental health services.
Asset management in local government
Due for release: 19 March 2009 for the Accounts Commission
Summary: Our review will evaluate how well councils manage their assets, the extent to which they use them to contribute to high quality service provision and whether they achieve value for money. The final report will make recommendations that will assist councils’ own efforts to improve in this area.
Contact: John Lincoln, Project Manager, Public Reporting, Local government tel: 0131 625 1864.
Review of expenditure on drug and alcohol services in Scotland and its effectiveness
Due for release: March 2009 for the Auditor General / Accounts Commission
Summary: The study will review the funding, planning and delivery of drug and alcohol services in Scotland. It will consider the full range of services and initiatives from prevention, treatment and rehabilitation to regulation and enforcement.
Contact: Sally Thompson, Project manager, Public Reporting, Central Government tel:0131 625 1878
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