This framework was agreed with the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG), and reports are based on an assessment carried out between September and November 2008 to assess in more detail the pathfinders' approach to use of resources in delivering value for money. The methodology incorporated a self-assessment, a detailed case study, and an on-site visit of up to three days.
This use of resources assessment considered how well the pathfinder is managing and using its resources to deliver value for money and better and sustainable outcomes for local people. The key lines of enquiry are adapted from the generic Use of Resources methodology developed by the Audit Commission for use as part of the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA). This promotes consistency of approach for all organisations within a CAA area. It does not, however, constitute a formal element of the CAA, or of the use of resources review of the constituent local authorities, and is focused solely on the HMR pathfinder.
There are three themes making up the framework:
- Theme 1 - Managing Finances
- Theme 2 - Governing the Business
- Theme 3 - Managing resources