HC Deb 09 May 1996 vol 277 cc226-7W
Mr. Butler

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what performance targets have been set for the Defence Analytical Services Agency for 1996–97. [28961]

Mr. Soames

Key targets have been set for the chief executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency for financial year 1996–97. The targets build on the progress already made by the agency since it formed in July 1992 and are as follows:

Delivery of customer service and quality

About three quarters of the agency's business is covered by service level agreements with customers, which set out the targets and standards for the level of service, timeliness and quality of work. For the remaining parts of the business, for which service level agreements are not appropriate, project agreements are in place. Key targets are:

  1. (a) To meet at least 95 per cent. of the timeliness and quality targets set in the service level agreements and project agreements.
  2. (b) To have at least 90 per cent. of customers saying they are at least satisfied with the timeliness, quality of work and helpfulness of staff in the annual customer satisfaction survey covering all aspects of the business.
  3. (c) To engage customers in a fundamental review of service level agreements to ensure they fully reflect current and expected needs.
  4. (d) To demonstrate a further, independently assessed, improvement in the quality of published output.

Efficiency and use of resources

The agency plans to make significant savings in 1996–97 as well as meeting the demands arising from a number of important studies and initiatives. Key targets are:

  1. (e) To bring forward £136,000 "Competing for Quality" savings scheduled for 1997–98 to 1996–97.
  2. (f) To support the MOD's work on the Gulf health research programme, implementation of the Bett study, and civilian pay and grading from within existing resources.