PEER CHALLENGE in the SOUTH EAST
Peer challenge is a proven tool for improvement for councils.
We have three programmes:
SE DCS Peer Challenge (annual cycle)
SE Lead Member Peer Challenge (biannual cycle)
The topical peer challenge process is commissioned by a single council and involves a small team of local government peers spending time at the council to provide challenge and share learning. It involves engaging with a wide range of people connected with the council and the findings are delivered immediately.
The DCS and Lead Member triad/quartet peer challenge process is slightly different and involves participants from three or four authorities meeting once every year or every two years. These facilitated events are structured around authority and lead member self- assessments, with informed challenge and support from peer colleagues.
In 2021-2022 we also trialled a process of detailed Quality Assurance Group activity in Triad/Quartet groupings to maximise access to the underlying data which informs each authority's self-assessment statement. We plan to use our learning in future years to futher develop this approach.
Topical Peer Challenge in the South East
The first visit of Round 1 took place in March 2011. Since then there have been 47 visits with nine completed rounds of Peer Challenge with an additional review undertaken in 2021 in response to a specific request by the host authority.
More details can be found on the dedicated pages for:
Tools, Templates & Useful Links
Next Meeting
Plans for DCS Peer Challenge Triads/Quartet in winter 2020-2021 are progressing.
The sessions will be heldduring the window 1 December 2020 - 28 February 2021.
see SE DCS Peer Challenge 2020-2021 for more detail.