These take into account the responses received by the DoH following the publication of the first set of performance indicator proposals in February. Further indicators are expected to be issued and may cover drugs and alcohol misuse outcomes, services for black and minority ethnic groups and prevention and rehabilitation services. What you can do Alcohol agencies should work towards developing a good working relationship with the district auditor, with the aim of being active in setting performance indicators and finding out how Best Value will be assessed. The auditor is likely to have the responsibility of judging whether the performance and resource information in the plans is accurate and that they have been drawn up in accordance with the requirements of the Best Value framework. The auditor will also judge whether the plans are realistic given the resources available to the authority.
Agencies can contact their local authority and ask to be involved in the consultation process.
It is here that alcohol services can educate their local authorities and help to make the consultation process a reality via existing structures. Local councillors have an important role to play in the implementation of Best Value. They need to ensure that the Best Value process is democratic and accountable. They must also ensure that user and community groups are genuinely involved in designing, planning and implementing any changes to services with regards to continuous improvement. Again agencies can contact local councillors and ask what they are doing about Best Value, ask to be involved and offer their services for consultation.