Performance improvement planning is part of a voluntary 'Best Value' initiative introduced by the Government in 1998 which aimed to:

• Improve the quality of public services generally.
• Increase the understanding and involvement of local communities in their governance.

Banbridge District Council’s response to the challenge of ‘Best Value’ has been to fully embrace it.  The Council agreed a corporate approach to review all services over a period of three years.  All departments have contributed to the review of all services.  To manage the process the Council has established a Best Value Management Structure and has actioned a six step model for the review of all services.

The Council’s mission, core values and corporate aims give direction and prioritise Council’s activities over the next three years. Together with pending Best Value guidance they will help shape the continuous improvement programmes for each of the Council’s departments and each service provided. The Council has produced a three-year Corporate Plan for the period 2009-2011 to assist in the improvement of its services. This framework document is reviewed and monitored on an annual basis and includes ideas about the organisation's participative culture, its ambitious approach to the future and integrating its strategic objectives with service goals.

The prime focus for the Council is on providing a better quality of life for residents and visitors to the District. In order to do this we must be conscious of the wider political and administrative changes taking place in the country and be able to respond and contribute to policy initiatives outside our immediate sphere of control.

The Corporate Strategy and Medium Term Financial Plan 2006–2009 is part of a continuous iterative process reviewed annually to establish issues and priorities. Its purpose is to set achievable goals and objectives derived from consultation with our rate payers, our staff and informed by the democratic process. Essentially, this document is aimed at providing a sense of direction to the Council. It encapsulates the Council's corporate position without being a comprehensive documentation of the planning process. In that context we welcome any feedback from organisations or individuals in our District seeking clarification or suggesting changes in our approach. You can download this document by clicking on the link under 'Publications'.