7.1 The Strategic and Corporate Objectives for the next 3 years are set out below and are categorised within each of the four business areas within GROS.
7.1.1 Registration
Manage and review annually Scotland's registration service, improving standards and availability to meet the expectations of the public and the local authorities who run the local registration service on behalf of our Department.
Target Date |
January 2007 |
|---|---|
Objective |
Following enactment of the Local Electoral Administration and Registration Services (Scotland) Bill (expected summer 2006) to complete implementation of the legislation. |
Target Date |
January 2008 |
|---|---|
Objective |
Develop an e-Registration service as an additional channel alongside registration at local registration offices and implement once necessary safeguards are in place. |
Working with the National Archives of Scotland (NAS) and the Court of the Lord Lyon (CLL), make available all the relevant records held by the three organisations, in a new centre at the General Register House/New Register House site and over the Internet, and encourage local authorities to establish local family history centres.
Target Date |
November 2006 (public opening) April 2007 (formal launch) |
|---|---|
Objective |
Open to the public by end-November 2006 the expected range of services for the ScotlandsPeople Centre in the new General Register House/New Register House family history centre. By end-April 2007, formally launch the ScotlandsPeople Centre, including the New Register House Dome, etc. facilities. |
7.1.2 Census
Plan and implement a development programme towards a high quality Census in 2011.
Target Date |
On-going |
|---|---|
Objective |
Continue planning for a 2011 Census, including working with ONS/NISRA, in a way that will deliver a Census that meets both Scottish needs and key UK needs while providing good value for money. |
Target Date |
December 2006 |
|---|---|
Objective |
Conduct and evaluate the 2006 Scottish Census Test thus enabling the appraisal of options for aspects such as delivery and collection methods, form layout, question design and data processing. |
Target Date |
Oct 2008 – March 2009 |
|---|---|
Objective |
Work with ONS, NISRA and systems and services suppliers through the Census System Integration stage during 2008, to ensure that systems and services are delivered in sufficient time for the Rehearsal in 2009. |
Target Date |
February 2009 |
|---|---|
Objective |
Complete preparations for a Census Rehearsal in April 2009, in the light of findings from the 2006 Test and further consultation, that enables the evaluation of well-developed form and question design, collection procedures and data processing methods. |
7.1.3 Demography
Target Date |
March 2007 |
|---|---|
Objective |
Continue to investigate the potential usefulness of a wider range of administrative and survey sources in supporting and enhancing key products. Carry out experimental work to develop in-house expertise on data matching. |
Target Date |
On-going |
|---|---|
Objective |
Collect and maintain the records (e.g. vital events and the National Health Service Central Register) that are the foundation for the information we provide, in a way that is consistent with best practice in the collection, storage and archiving of information. |
Target Date |
Pre-announced publication dates |
|---|---|
Objective |
Publish the Registrar General’s Annual Report and other demographic data and analyses about Scotland to meet customer needs and National Statistics Code of Practice standards, and inform and foster debate on demographic issues in SE and wider. |
7.1.4 Corporate & Cross-cutting
Ensure that the Department is run in an efficient and effective manner; demonstrates compliance with legislation and published good practice; provides an environment where staff can develop their knowledge and skill to the benefit of the business and the individual; and delivers services which meet customers’ needs and are publicised appropriately.
Target Date |
On-going. Draft Accounts to be prepared by end-June and presented to Parliament by mid-December |
|---|---|
Objective |
Continue to apply good Corporate Governance to the business of GROS (e.g. Financial Management, Risk Management, Resource Management, Information Management (including FoI)) and demonstrate all the characteristics of a Best Value organisation. Make effective use of ICT and ensure that the Department is run efficiently. Play a full part in the Efficient Government initiative and seek opportunities for sharing services where appropriate. Prepare accurate Annual Accounts for timely presentation to Parliament and publish these and an Annual Performance Review on our website. |
Target Date |
May each year |
|---|---|
Objective |
Ensure that staff have proper development opportunities and are well-managed. Meet our obligations under the SE Performance Management System and complete all appraisals, in line with the guidance, by the due dates. Foster strong leadership within the organisation and be a Department where staff are satisfied with their jobs. |
7.2 Key Business Objectives for 2006-07 will be derived from these Strategic and Corporate Objectives and will be published in the 2006-07 Annual Performance Review along with details relating to performance.