Appendix 2 SWIA performance inspection methodology
The team conducted this inspection using the SWIA's performance inspection model ( PIM). Senior social work managers in the council were asked to consider the following six key questions and develop a self-evaluation of their performance. The same six key questions were used to structure the fieldwork in the council. This report reflects the PIM, with a chapter addressing each of these questions.
1. What key outcomes for people who use services have we achieved?
Here the inspection team gathered evidence on the actual difference that social work services have made, and are making, to the lives of individuals, families and communities. SWIA defines outcomes as the improvements in peoples lives directly resulting from the social work services they receive.
2. What impact have we had on people who use our services and other stakeholders?
The inspection team looked at the direct experience and perceptions of the people who use social work services as well as those of employees and other stakeholders.
3. How good is the delivery of our key processes?
Here the inspection team looked at the day to day planning, management and delivery of services from initial contact with the person using the service through assessment and care planning.
4. How good is our management?
This involved examining managers' and staff's understanding and implementation of broad national and local strategic plans and objectives, their dissemination, monitoring and review of organisational strategy, along with performance management, integrated working, staffing and financial responsibilities.
5. How good is our leadership?
Here the inspection team looked at corporate vision, values and aims, the ability to work together across council departments, organisational culture and the leadership and management of change at all levels.
6. What is our capacity for improvement?
Here the inspection team brought together all the evidence and reached an overall evaluation about the capacity for improvement, taking into account both strengths and areas of weakness.
The inspection team reached evaluations based on the ten areas for evaluation in the Performance Inspection Model. The full PIM is set out in appendix 1.