Terms of Reference of RPA Strategic Review Group

Implementing the Review

Of Public Administration

Strategic Review Group

Terms of Reference

Introduction

Implementation of the Review of Public Administration requires the co-ordinated organisation, direction and implementation of a portfolio of projects and activities that together achieve outcomes and realise benefits that are of strategic importance to the delivery of public services in Northern Ireland.  This co-ordination will enable projects to deliver an outcome greater than the sum of their parts.  At its meeting on 16 March 2007 the Permanent Secretaries Group agreed that this co-ordination function will be the responsibility of the Strategic Review Group (SRG). This group replaces the RPA Steering Group.  The Permanent Secretaries Group also acknowledged the need for any administrative arrangement to reflect any requirements of the new Assembly.

Objectives

The SRG’s role will be:
  • co-ordination of monthly progress reports from each of the RPA projects;
  • discussion of any relevant issues raised;
  • provision of a summary report for ministers;
  • agree the guiding principles for themes that are common to the RPA projects and implement these as appropriate in each departmental RPA project implementation plan (a list of current common themes is attached at Annex A).
  • evaluate on an ongoing basis the extent to which RPA aims and objectives have been achieved (see Annex B).

Membership

The Group will comprise:
Head of the NI Civil Service (Chair)
Permanent Secretary (DHSSPS)
Permanent Secretary (DOENI)
Permanent Secretary (DENI)
Permanent Secretary (DRD)
Permanent Secretary (DCAL)
Permanent Secretary (DSD)
Permanent Secretary (DFP) X 2
Permanent Secretary (DEL)
Permanent Secretary (DARD)
Permanent Secretary (DETI)
Deputy Secretary (OFMDFM)

Secretariat

The SRG will be supported by the RPA Central Unit.

Operation

Each month the RPA Central Unit will produce the agenda for the monthly meeting and commission update reports from each departmental RPA project. The information provided in these update reports will form the basis of discussion at the SRG Group meeting. A summary report will be produced for ministers. The SRG Chair may also request Lead Project Managers to provide additional information at the meeting if required.

Responsibilities

SRG are responsible for:
  • Considering the combined monthly progress reports from departmental RPA projects; discussing issues raised; and commissioning a summary report for ministers;
  • Considering the implementation of themes that are agreed by SRG as being common to the departmental RPA projects and reporting on the extent to which these are being delivered across the RPA;
  • evaluating the extent to which the RPA aims and objectives have been achieved.
SRG are not responsible for:
  • expenditure on RPA implementation within departmental RPA projects. This responsibility lies exclusively with respective Accounting Officers on who’s Request for Resource the expenditure is borne;
  • the degree to which departmental RPA projects adhere to the guiding principles for each common theme. This responsibility lies exclusively with the SRO of each departmental RPA project. Where a departmental RPA project proceeds with implementation in variance to the guiding principles, they will be individually accountable through their Minister.

The Interface with Local Government

The strengthening of local government is a key goal of the RPA.  The Strategic Leadership Board has been established to oversee the reform of that area.  The SRG will be kept informed of developments in local government through the structures set up by the DOE.

Annex A

RPA Common Themes

Theme

Current Development Lead
Equality OFMDFM – Cynthia Smith
Communications OFMDFM – Colm Shannon
Common Boundaries OFMDFM – John McMillen
Capacity Building OFMDFM – John McMillen
Human Resources DFP – Derek Baker
Estates/Location DFP – Chris Thompson
Cost and Efficiencies DFP – Leo O’Reilly
Shared Services

Annex B

Summary of RPA Aims and Objectives

Definition of RPA

The RPA is defined as all of those decisions announced by the secretary of State for Northern Ireland in November 2005, and March 2006.

Objectives of the RPA

The implementation of the Secretary of State’s decisions on RPA aim to deliver public services with better:
  • Democratic accountability
  • Community responsiveness and partnership working
  • Cross community concerns
  • Equality and Human Rights (including equity of access)
  • Subsidiarity
  • Quality of Service
  • Co-ordination and Integration of Services
  • Scope of the public services
  • Efficiency and effectiveness
  • Innovation and business organisation.