Some progress at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar but more needs to be done

The report reviews developments at the comhairle since the Accounts Commission reported on its performance in November 2011. At that time, the Commission had ‘serious concerns’ about the slow pace of improvement at the comhairle and asked Audit Scotland to produce a follow-up report in a year’s time.

In its findings, the Commission notes improvements in the comhairle’s arrangements for managing performance and finance. The performance management system has the potential to support elected members to monitor and scrutinise the comhairle’s performance and impact more effectively.

However, the Commission notes ‘with concern’ that some areas have not progressed. The comhairle needs to improve how it manages its workforce, including improving the completion of staff appraisals and addressing the rising number of sickness absences. It is also concerning that the comhairle still cannot effectively gauge customer satisfaction.

Chair of the Accounts Commission, John Baillie, said:

“We recognise the progress made by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in some areas. We are encouraged by improvements in finance and managing performance. The new performance management system has the potential to really assist councillors, and this potential is not yet being fully realised.

“However the lack of progress in other areas causes us concern. Significantly, the comhairle needs to improve how it manages its workforce and deliver the improvement plan it put in place in response to the findings of a staff survey. The comhairle needs to increase the pace of change and momentum of improvements; with this in mind, we have asked Audit Scotland to monitor progress at the comhairle and report back to us within 18 months.”