Outcomes and output groups
The Performance Reporting section of this annual report is divided into the three outcomes and 10 output groups as shown in Figure 1 below. The government delivers benefits to the Australian community (outcomes) primarily through administered items (often described as programs) and FaCS’ goods and services (outputs), which are delivered against specific performance indicators.
Outcome performance information relates to the specific impact that an agency’s outputs and administered items have had on the community.
Figure 1: Outcome and output group structure
Administered items
Administered items are those resources administered by FaCS on behalf of the Government (such as transfer payments to the states, grants, benefits and pension payments) to contribute to FaCS outcomes. FaCS reports on the effectiveness in achieving its outcomes and where relevant—the quality, quantity and cost associated with delivery of the administered item. In some cases this will include outputs delivered by states or territories and in some cases non-government organisations. It will also address transfer payments that meet the Government’s requirements.
Departmental outputs
Departmental outputs are products and services that are produced by FaCS or its agents and delivered to external users. Output performance information is about FaCS’ efficiency in executing its responsibilities. Output efficiency indicators assess the quality, quantity and price of FaCS products and services. The aim is to demonstrate value for money and value for the community.
Four common ‘departmental’ outputs are reported for each of the 10 output groups. Broadly, these outputs are the direct product of the policy, management and administrative functions of FaCS. The outputs are:
policy advice
purchasing, funding and relationship management
research and evaluation
service delivery (which is commonly by agents of FaCS).
Outputs are reported on in the order in which they appear in the financial and staffing resources summaries for ease of reading. They are not in priority order.
Performance indicators
FaCS employs a holistic external reporting structure comprising:
common effectiveness indicator categories for administered items and outputs that reflect key strategies for social policy
quality, quantity and price indicators for outputs
operating environment statements for the three outcomes, to set the context for the performance.
Performance information is reported against the performance indicators published in the FaCS part of the 2002–03 Portfolio Budget Statement. This reporting is complemented by other relevant reporting, including the results of evaluation.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness is the extent to which planned outcomes are achieved. Effectiveness performance indicators are grouped according to the key strategies used. This approach helps annual report users understand how the outputs, including services and payments, contribute to achieving outcomes.
The effectiveness of the outputs within each output group is reported against a selection of the most relevant of the following indicators which are grouped according to key policy principles:
Table 1: Effectiveness performance indicators
Capacity
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For communities: improved community skills, knowledge, leadership, partnerships and networks
For families: improved family skills, knowledge and quality of relationships
For individuals: improvement in skills and knowledge necessary for self support and improved networks
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Early intervention
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Early intervention in financial and personal crises that limits social and economic marginalization
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Independence
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Greater independence, choice and self reliance for families, communities and individuals
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Adequacy
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Adequate levels of income and assistance provided for those who cannot support themselves
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Affordability
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Affordability of support services, such as housing and child care
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Targeting
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Assistance is targeted at those most in need
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Take-up/coverage
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Take-up of payments or services among the eligible population or coverage of those in need of assistance
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Quality
Quality indicators are provided for all outputs (but not for transfer payments). These indicators are reported under the following headings:
Table 2: Quality indicator categories
Assurance
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Service delivery standards Quality accreditation of service providers
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Client rights and obligations
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Protection of clients’ rights Ensuring client obligations are met
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Access and choice
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Location of services, access to information and access for special needs and target groups
Client choice
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Client satisfaction
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Client satisfaction with the provision of payments and services
| Quantity
Quantity indicators are provided for all outputs. Note that the ‘quantity’ for each service delivery output is the client numbers reported under the administered outputs and transfer payments to which the service delivery relates.
Price
The price paid for the outputs complements quality and quantity reporting. The price figures reported include the cost of all enabling outputs, corporate support, other overheads and accrued liabilities prescribed under FaCS’ output pricing model.
Operating environment statements
Environmental analysis is provided for each of the three outcomes. These statements provide high-level information about social conditions and trends relevant to family and community functioning and economic and social participation. These statements are based on a set of environmental indicators that can be used to assess the appropriateness of FaCS’ strategies for achieving the outcomes, and also to assess the long-term effectiveness of its activities. They are not indicators of results FaCS has achieved through providing outputs, but outline the context for those results.
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