Themes:

• Financial planning
• Resource and knowledge management
• Compliance

Level 5 illustration:

Financial planning

Our arrangements for financial planning and monitoring expenditure are transparent, systematic and include effective risk management. We plan for change very well and are pro-active in seeking ways to sustain or improve services. We are enterprising in attracting funding or other resources to increase positive outcomes and impacts for learners and communities and address unmet or changing needs. Resources are allocated, including to third parties, to meet agreed priorities in line with local and national plans and CLD priorities. All staff and volunteers with financial responsibilities are clear about and follow financial policies and procedures. They are supported well by leaders and those with specific financial responsibilities. We follow clear procedures to assist in identifying and acting effectively and promptly with any budget variances.

Resource and knowledge management

Resources are well managed, deployed and targeted to improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities, and meet organisational, local and national CLD priorities. Organisational and partnership planning takes into account all available resources and unmet needs. Partners work very well together to share and target resources to improve outcomes for learners and communities. Where appropriate, specialist equipment, accommodation or other identified measures are shared effectively to enable those with specific needs to participate. The management of information is purposeful and clear and is gathered, organised, communicated and used efficiently to improve outcomes and evaluate progress against plans. Arrangements to store, retrieve, use, and share information comply fully with current data protection legislation.

Compliance

Staff and volunteers at all levels in the organisation are aware of and comply with their responsibilities with regard to legislation, regulation, policy, guidance, standards and codes of practice. The organisation monitors and responds appropriately and timely to changes in legislation and policies. Communication about risk management and compliance is frequent and clear. We have clearly understood approaches to and an appropriate balance between being innovative and the management of risk. Safeguarding procedures are up to date and regularly reviewed. Staff and volunteers at all levels in the organisation are aware of and meet their responsibilities to safeguarding vulnerable people including learners, staff, volunteers and partners.

Challenge questions:

1. How do we know our financial performance is strong?
2. How comprehensive and effective are our financial procedures and controls?
3. How well equipped are budget holders to monitor and implement financial procedures and controls?
4. Are we enterprising in securing additional funding, planning for change, succession planning or sustainability of our finances?
5. How well do we identify, attract and allocate resources to meet priorities?
6. How do we know our resources including accommodation, specialist equipment and information technology is sufficient, appropriate and accessible?
7. How well do we use information technology and other resources and tools to improve provision and accessibility for learners and communities to participate fully?
8. How well do we work with partners to ensure the overall resources available for CLD are targeted as effectively and efficiently as possible?
9. How effective are our arrangements for collecting, storing, retrieving, analysing, evaluating and sharing data?
10. How well do we manage risk and approaches to change in order to balance supporting innovation and ambition whilst reducing any negative impacts?
11. How well do we respond to and comply with and implement changes in relevant legislation, regulation, policy, standards and codes of practice?
12. How well are our systems and processes ensuring the safeguarding of vulnerable people?