§ Ms. MowlamTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many applications for charter mark awards were rejected after their contents were subjected to verification procedures.
§ Mr. Robert JacksonThis year's charter mark scheme attracted 296 applications from public sector organisations throughout the United Kingdom. Following assessment by the Prime Minister's advisory panel, and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, 36 charter marks were awarded.
§ Ms. MowlamTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what procedures were followed to verify the claims of the shortlisted charter mark applicants; and how many of the applications were submitted to such scrutiny.
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§ Mr. Robert JacksonAll organisations that submitted applications were required to provide evidence against the six charter mark standards, one of which was evidence of independent validation of performance. They had to demonstrate that they had satisfied their customers, and achieved measurable improvements in the quality of the services they provide. They also had to offer a new idea for improving their service at no additional cost to the public purse.
The Prime Minister's citizens charter advisory panel and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster were responsible for judging the charter mark applications. All applications were carefully scrutinised and shortlisted organisations were visited by members of the advisory panel of their representatives, as part of the verification procedures.