Agency Framework Documents
1. The Framework Document sets out the key elements of the policy and resources
framework for the Agency and the relationship and respective responsibilities of the Chief
Executive, the Permanent Secretary and the Minister for the delivery of the service.
2. As a result of changes recommended in Stage Two of the review, an Agency’s
Framework Document will probably need to change, sometimes substantially. In recognition
of the range of different types of agencies, there is no "model" Framework
Document.
However, when considering changes, you should be aware that Framework Documents should
contain:
 | a foreword by the Minister;
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| details of the Agency’s size, location and functions;
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| the Agency’s aim and objectives; and information on those aspects of the
Agency’s performance for which key targets will be developed in order to assess the
progress with which the aim and objectives are being achieved;
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| the areas where the Service First principles
will be applied;
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| the relationship between the Minister, the Agency Chief Executive and the Permanent
Secretary of the Department;
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| where applicable, the relationship with other bodies with which the Agency has
established partnership arrangements;
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| the arrangements for dealing with Parliamentary Questions and letters from Members of
Parliament on matters concerning the Agency;v |
| the customer complaints procedure and the arrangements for handling
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| Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration cases;
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| the financial regime agreed with the Treasury for the Agency when first established and
any changes which might be proposed subsequently;
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| the business planning framework which will apply, including arrangements for setting
objectives and targets for the Agency, where appropriate, and the
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| arrangements for their periodic revision;
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| the machinery for accounting, audit, monitoring and reporting, both within government
and externally;
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| the relations with the Principal Accounting Officer of the Department (and other
relevant Accounting Officers) as stated in the Accounting Officer Memorandum;
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| the arrangements for producing accounts;
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| the corporate and business planning cycle;
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| the arrangements for recruitment, pay and other personnel management responsibilities,
and the extent to which they are delegated to the Agency;
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| the method of recruitment and the basis of remuneration for the Chief Executive;
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| the reporting arrangements for the Chief Executive;
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| the arrangements for monitoring the Agency’s performance; and
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| the arrangements for reviewing the Agency and agreeing changes to the Framework
Document. |
