OUTPUT CLASS SERVICE PERFORMANCE
CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF POLICY AND REPORTS
Assessing the quality of policy and reports developed by the Ministry is a subjective evaluation of the standard against predetermined quality criteria. The following criteria form the basis for gauging whether a policy or report meets the quality characteristics set by the Ministry, and are to be used when measuring output delivery related to policy.
Purpose
The aim or purpose of the policy/report is clearly stated and it answers the questions set.
Logic
The assumptions behind the policy/report are explicit, and the argument logical and supported by facts.
Accuracy
The facts in the policy/report are accurate and all material facts are included.
Options
An adequate range of options has been presented and the benefits, costs and consequences of each option are clearly outlined.
Consultation
The Ministry has consulted with other government agencies and other affected stakeholders (where appropriate) and possible objections to proposals/content are identified.
Practicality
The problems of implementation, technical feasibility, timing or consistency with other policies/reports have been considered.
Presentation
The format meets the stipulated requirements; the material is effectively, concisely and clearly presented, has short sentences in plain English and is free of grammatical or spelling errors.
Quality management
The product quality is to be supported by a quality management process, including:
- external review of scope and methodology for major analytical work
- circulation of drafts for critiquing by other government agencies and other affected stakeholders as appropriate
- internal peer review and checking procedures
- adherence to the Ministry’s policy framework
- consistency with relevant legislative obligations.
The two Inquiries into the management of the scampi fishery have consumed a significant amount of Ministry resource, particularly at senior level. This has resulted in some milestones, established in the 2003/04 Output Plan, being deferred to 2004/05.
In its quarterly reporting to the Minister, the Ministry has noted that the effects of the Inquiries, combined with other high priority work on the aquaculture Treaty issues, the foreshore and seabed issues and the Maori Fisheries Bill, mean that it would be unlikely to meet the requirements in some of the milestones, and recommended amendments to the 2003/04 Output Plan. The Minister approved the amendments on 20 June 2004.
The following output statements are based on the revised Output Plan.
In addition, the output costs reflect the changes approved in the Supplementary Estimates in May 2004.
An explanation of the notations under "quality" and "time" in the performance expectations for each output is as follows:
| Explanation |
|---|
Achieved |
The milestone has been delivered in accordance with standards specified in the Statement of Intent. |
Not achieved |
The milestone has not been achieved in the time specified/the quality standards have not been met. |
Not measured |
The Ministry does not currently have ways to measure the standard. |
Deferred |
The milestone has been deferred to 2004/05. |
The percentage in the "actual" column relates only to those milestones that should have been delivered during the period under report.
Management commentary is included in the Statement of Service Performance as additional information. This commentary has not been audited.
OUTPUT CLASS - POLICY FRAMEWORK
Description
This output class includes the outputs that ensure development and review of policies to underpin the legal and conceptual framework for the sustainable and efficient utilisation of fisheries and guide the implementation of policy.
Objectives
- Provide and improve a conceptual framework for the sustainable and efficient use of fisheries resources.
- Participate in the development and review of international frameworks, and implement the decisions in a domestic context.
- Provide services to the Minister of Fisheries and Select Committees as required.