Output Class Service Performance

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF POLICY
AND REPORTS

The following standards will be used to assess the quality of policy advice provided to the Minister.

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.

NOTE: During the year, the Ministry received approval from the Minister of Fisheries to amend certain output statements in its Statement of Intent for 2004-2008, add a further output class and reflect the changes in output costs approved as part of the 2004/05 Supplementary Estimates process in May 2005. In addition, and following the shift of the Ministry’s marine biosecurity accountabilities to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with effect from November 2004, a new output “Biosecurity policy advice” was created under output class “Regulatory Management” within Vote: Fisheries.