The Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA)
A Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) gives an overall evaluation of services we provide. It brings together the results of assessments by Ofsted, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and the Audit Commission.
Once assessments have been compiled, councils are rated with between zero and four stars (with four being the highest score).
How are councils rated?
The overall score given to each council is made up of two parts.
1. How the council is run
- What is the council trying to achieve?
- How effectively does the council deliver its priorities?
- Are targets being reached?
- In light of what has been learnt, what does the council plan to do next?
2. How the council’s main services perform
The overall CPA score for a council is determined using information that is currently available about the way we perform. This includes best value inspection reports, performance indicators and government plans. Further information about four of these performance assessments is available via the links below:
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Corporate assessment – Audit Commission
This contributes to our CPA score by providing more information about how well we are working and how we can improve in the future. We had our last Corporate Assessment in Summer 2007 when we were awarded a rating of three out of four.
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Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI)
Their Annual Performance Assessment reflects the contribution to the Comprehensive Performance Assessment made by Children's Services and social care services in general, with the capacity for improvement.
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The Joint Area Review (JAR) – Ofsted
An inspection of all children’s services within a local area. Last published October 2007.
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Ofsted reports for Children's Services in East Sussex
Their Annual Performance Assessment reflects the contribution made by Children's Services and social care services in general, with the capacity for improvement.
How district and borough councils are assessed
Borough and district councils in East Sussex also receive Comprehensive Performance Assessments, although they are rated in a different way. They are rated either excellent, good, fair, weak or poor, instead of using the four star system. The latest reviews are available on the Audit Commission website:
Review of Eastbourne Borough Council
Review of Hastings Borough Council
Review of Lewes District Council
Review of Rother District Council
Review of Wealden District Council
Further information
If you have any further questions about the assessment process or our past or current assessments, please contact us about Corporate Performance Assessment.
