The Corporate Scrutiny Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 7th April 2026 to review the proposed Performance Management Framework and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) set for 2026-27, and to consider the Corporate Scrutiny Work Plan. The committee resolved to note the revised Performance Management Framework and KPI set, providing comments for the Executive, and also noted the Scrutiny Work Plan.

Performance Management Framework and KPI Set 2026-27

The committee considered the proposed Performance Management Framework and KPI set for 2026-27, which aims to improve clarity and focus by reducing the total number of KPIs from approximately 160 to 61. This revised set includes a core corporate KPI set of 39 indicators reported monthly and quarterly, and an organisational health KPI set of 22 indicators reported quarterly. A new dashboard-style presentation is to be introduced to enhance accessibility and understanding of performance data.

During the discussion, members raised concerns about KPIs lacking targets, questioning their meaningfulness. They also sought clarification on how issues identified in detailed operational data would be escalated and enquired about the accessibility of KPI data for the public and councillors between formal reporting cycles. The importance of benchmarking against similar authorities was also emphasised.

Officers clarified that KPIs without targets are included for various reasons, such as establishing baselines for new indicators or measuring areas outside the Council's direct control. They explained that the reduction in KPIs is intended to focus attention on key areas of risk and performance, with detailed data continuing to be monitored at a directorate level. The new dashboard format is expected to improve usability, and plans are underway to explore online publication of dashboards, subject to data security. Benchmarking is conducted using recognised comparator groups, such as CIPFA's nearest neighbours, with careful interpretation due to data collection differences.

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee resolved to note the revised Performance Management Framework and 2026–27 KPI set and provided comments for consideration by the Executive.

Corporate Scrutiny Work Plan

The committee also considered the Corporate Scrutiny Work Plan. It was noted that the next meeting was scheduled for 27th April 2026 and that the Work Plan would be refreshed ahead of the Annual Council meeting. Previously identified items include a joint meeting regarding the highways contract and a half-yearly review of budget scrutiny recommendations. The Work Plan will continue to be shaped by the Scrutiny Management Board and aligned with the Council's Corporate Plan priorities. The committee resolved to note the Scrutiny Work Plan as it relates to the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.