The Performance Improvement Review Programme (the Programme) is a key initiative to lift agency performance across the Public Service. It supports the Government’s priorities and helps towards delivering better results and outcomes for New Zealanders.
Purpose and approach
The Programme offers independent, future-focussed assessments of agencies to help identify the actions needed to address their current and future challenges. Performance Improvement Reviews (Reviews) are used to inform the strategic direction and performance of public service agencies and provide Ministers with an important lever to shape the long-term direction, focus and performance of their agencies.
What reviews focus on
Reviews have a future-focus and typically look towards a four-year horizon (or longer if applicable). They describe:
- what is expected of the agency in the future and the challenges it faces
- the capability and performance needed to meet those expectations and what it should do to achieve it.
Review approach and methodology
Reviews are led by independent Lead Reviewers, who are highly experienced leaders with a deep understanding of the Public Service environment. Most are experienced former chief executives and/or governance leaders.
Lead Reviewers use the Performance Improvement Model as the basis to review the agency, looking at its:
- delivery of Government priorities and core functions
- organisational management, including:
- leadership and direction
- delivery of services to clients, customers and citizens
- engagement with stakeholders
- workforce management
- financial management, data and risk.
A detailed guide to the Performance Improvement Model is provided in the links below.
What happens after a review
Final reports are published on the Public Service Commission’s website (see links below). As well as the providing the findings of the review, the reports include statements from the reviewed agency and the Central Agencies on their response to those findings. Agencies also develop an implementation plan to give effect to the insights and findings from the review.
Guidance, templates and tools
Ngā pātai me ngā whakautu Questions and answers
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How has the Performance Improvement Programme evolved?
The Programme builds on the Performance Improvement Framework introduced in 2009. Over time, the framework has been refined to reflect international best practices and lessons learned.
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Who are the Lead Reviewers?
Each Review is led by two independent Lead Reviewers chosen for their relevant experience, complementary skills, and ability to work well with the agency’s senior leadership.
All Lead Reviewers are highly experienced, with extensive leadership and organisational management experience. Some have previously been involved with Performance Improvement Framework reviews.
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What is the benefit for the public?
High-performing agencies are essential for delivering effective public services. These reviews help ensure agencies are focused on the right priorities and are equipped to meet future challenges, ultimately improving services for all New Zealanders.
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What are the benefits for agencies?
Reviews provide Public Service leaders with an independent, forward-looking perspective on their agencies readiness to deliver now and in the future. The insights from Reviews help chief executives to shape the strategic direction and capability of their agencies. Reviews are timed to be complementary to existing agency initiatives.
Whakapā mai Contact us
Email: performanceImprovement@publicservice.govt.nz if you'd like to know more about the Programme.