13.Section 8 provides Welsh Ministers with a power to prescribe by order factors of performance (performance indicators) against which a Welsh improvement authority’s performance will be measured. In addition Welsh Ministers may set performance standards in respect of the performance indicators set by them. This section also gives Welsh Ministers by order the discretion to specify different performance indicators and standards for different authorities or types of authorities.
14.In setting indicators and standards, and in deciding whether to do so, Welsh Ministers must aim to promote improvement of the exercise of the Welsh improvement authority’s functions, and must in particular reflect the need to improve the exercise of those functions in terms of each of the aspects of improvement set out in s4. In addition, before specifying performance indicators or standards the Welsh Ministers must consult with the Auditor General for Wales, representatives of Welsh improvement authorities and others as they see fit.
15.Subsection (7) specifies that a Welsh improvement authority must make arrangements to exercise its functions so that any performance standards are met.