HC Deb 19 April 2000 vol 348 cc480-1W
Ms Perham

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what performance targets have been set for the Defence Analytical Services Agency for 2000–01. [120180]

Mr. Spellar

Key Targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency for the financial year 2000–01. The targets build on the progress already made by the Agency since it was formed in 1992 and are as follows:

Delivery of Customer Service The majority of the Agency's business is covered by Service Level Agreements with customers, which set out the targets for timeliness and quality of work. For those parts of the business where Service Level Agreements are not appropriate, project agreements are in place. The Agency is committed to continuous improvement in the range and quality of the services it provides to customers. Key targets are:

  1. a. To meet at least 95 per cent. of the timeliness and quality targets set in 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.
  3. c. To have at least 25 per cent. of customers who received DASA services in 1999–2000 and 2000–01 report an improvement in services provided in the annual Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Efficiency and Quality The Agency plans to make efficiency savings in 2000–01 as well as continuing to meet the additional demands placed upon it by new Departmental studies and initiatives. DASA is part of the Government Statistical Service and will play its part in implementing "National Statistics"—the Government's policy on improving the integrity, quality and freedom from political interference of official statistics. Key targets are:

  1. a. To make all of DASA's unclassified National Statistics publications available on the MOD Intranet and the DASA internet websites.
  2. b. To conduct a review of the production and publication of armed forces and MOD civilian personnel statistics against National Statistics quality standards.
  3. c. To deliver efficiency savings with a value of 2.2 per cent. of the initial running cost allocation.