What is Best Value?
Best Value for Public Bodies is structured around the following characteristics which are set out in the Scottish Public Finance manual (SPFM):
- Commitment and leadership
- Responsiveness and consultation
- Sound governance arrangements at strategic, financial & operational levels
- Sound management of resources
- Use of review and options appraisal
- Competitiveness, trading and the discharge of authority functions (specific to Best Value in Local Government)
- Accountability
- Joint working
- Sustainable development
- Equal opportunities
The 2011 updated Best Value Guidance for Public Bodies groups the 9 relevant characteristics for Public Bodies into 5 specific and 2 cross-cutting themes. This reflects the connections between the characteristics and is also in line with the approach being taken on Best Value as it applies to local authorities ("Best Value 2").
The 5 generic themes are:
- Vision and Leadership;
- Effective Partnerships;
- Governance and Accountability
- Use of Resources; and
- Performance Management.
The cross-cutting themes which should underpin all activities and delivery of outcomes are:
- Equality; and
- Sustainability.