These key themes are then used as the basis for formulating Unit Agreements that provide an annual statement of objectives for each business unit. In practice, a pragmatic approach is required because budgetary or other pressures can force consideration of some processes out of the planned sequence. Tameside is far from being unique in its strategic approach to business process planning. Social Service Inspectorate reviews and Investors in People training initiatives require social services departments to adopt a systematic approach to be in place. Tameside is about at the mid-way point.
Information management is an inevitable and necessary part of the planning process.
Managers have to consider the information that is necessary to support a business plan. There may not even be any need for a computer-based solution. As well as needing information to measure performance, business units also need information to support operational practices and forward planning of services. The IT solution currently used by Tameside Social Services department is Sheridan's SSID system. In line with the phased approach to determining internal processes and information requirements, the department has resisted the temptation to implement all parts of the system in all parts of the organisation.