§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many business link operators did not satisfy the independent audit of their finances and management information systems in each year since 1997. [152046]
§ Nigel GriffithsIndependent audits of Business Link Operators (BLOs) began in 2001 following re-engineering of the Business Link Operator network.
By their very nature independent audit reports contain recommendations for improvements in the financial and management control systems. To date there has been one instance where these reports have identified serious weaknesses in a BLO's financial and management systems. This was a identified as part of the current financial year's independent audits and we are developing with the BLO concerned an action plan to address the issues.
§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many Business Link operators did not achieve the performance levels required for their key performance indicators in each quarter since 1997; and what steps have been taken to address this. [152051]
§ Nigel GriffithsThe Business Link Operator (BLO) Performance Management Framework was introduced in the 2002–03 financial year. As a result of a review of quarter 3 2002–03 performance levels, three BLOs were identified as seriously underperforming and their contracts were not automatically extended. Another two BLOs were identified as underperforming, but to a less serious extent.
All five have been required to undergo a Business Performance Review (BPR) which focused upon areas of weakness and which has resulted in a remedial plan. The appropriate Small Business Service Regional Team/ Regional Development Agency contract manager is monitoring the implementation of these plans.
Following their performance results for Quarter 4 2002–03, a further two BLOs have been required to undergo BPRs. These have also resulted in the production of a remedial plan which is being monitored by the appropriate contract manager.
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