Glossary
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There are many different terms used in the context of performance management and reporting. This glossary offers a short definition of each of the key terms that are used in South West Scotland CJA and, where appropriate, provides some additional context. Outcome Indicator Baseline Target Input Activities Milestones Output OutcomeOutcomes describe the long-term impact or change that is anticipated for an area or a group of people as a result of the activities of an organisation. Outcomes are ultimately a statement of what an organisation is trying to achieve. An organisation is unable to control outcomes but seeks to influence their occurrence.ContextThe National Strategy for the Management of Offenders identifies 22 high level outcomes for communities, offenders and the criminal justice system. Locally we have identified 20 Longer Term Target Outcomes which focus on issues of particular importance to South West ScotlandIndicatorIndicators are the measures used to demonstrate change in or progress towards an outcome – generally a score, a ratio or a ranking. An outcome may have one or more indicators attached to it. It is important to remember however that indicators are not an end in themselves. It is not enough to simply know HOW you are performing (the indicator), but WHY performance matters (the outcome).ContextThe National Performance Framework for CJAs contains 38 indicators which relate to the National Outcomes. Local Indicators are currently being developed to provide an additional layer of information about local priorities in South West Scotland.BaselineBaselines are gathered as a measure of the conditions at a particular point in time (often the beginning of a programme) against which progress can be assessed.TargetTargets represent the position that we want to reach by a certain time, and can apply to indicators or to outputs.InputInputs are the resources that contribute to delivery of a service and commonly include things such as labour, money, people etc. Inputs enable activities to take place which address the outcomes.ActivitiesActivities are the services delivered which aim to achieve change in terms of the identified outcomes and indicators. The terms activities, projects, services and interventions are often used in place of one another.MilestonesMilestones are the key stages in delivering an activity and can be defined in terms of a specific date or reaching a particular level of performance. Milestones can be used to track progress throughout the year.OutputOutputs provide a direct measure of activities or project delivery. |
