Benchmarking with Prospex

Performance Networks, a service provided by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), are using Prospex to aid them in their benchmarking project. APSE rates each type of local government service across a range of criteria, so that local authorities can compare their performance with that of their peers. As climate and levels of deprivation both vary geographically, Prospex is used to measure and visualise these criteria.

Over 120 local authorities from across the UK have subscribed to Performance Networks. Sports & leisure, waste management, building cleaning, building maintenance, parks & open spaces transport operations and catering are the service areas covered by the project in its first year.

APSE has 247 local authority members and is an important source of information, keeping its member authorities informed of developments in best value, best practice and innovations in direct service delivery. APSE also monitors private sector competition. Through its regular journal, Direct News, advice is given on competition developments and direct service issues. The Association also commissions and generates in-house market research and produces a wide range of publications and briefing papers on matters affecting direct services. APSE runs a seminar programme for its members and holds an annual conference, which attracts high calibre speakers including government representatives.

Prospex was introduced to APSE via a meeting with David Knapman of IQSS. Beacon Dodsworth worked with IQSS on a pilot project for APSE before they decided to purchase the software.