Performance and risk framework

We have established a comprehensive Performance and Risk Management Framework to enable all stakeholders to understand how the council monitors performance and risk, maintains accountability, and delivers best value for the people of Dorset.

The framework brings together strategic performance, risks and other business intelligence, to support our strategic decision makers in driving delivery of our corporate ambitions and Council Plan priorities.

It also provides a consistent and robust approach across the organisation, with clear oversight of what is reported where, and strong alignment to our strategic priorities and outcomes.

Illustrated below, the framework involves:

• monthly review of performance and risk data by individual directorates
• quarterly review of performance and risk by the Extended Leadership Team (ELT)
• quarterly reporting to the relevant Scrutiny Committee ensuring transparent, public consideration of performance
• quarterly risk management reports to Audit and Governance Committee
• a bi-annual Council Plan performance report reported to Cabinet

Further information is available in our performance management framework and our Risk Management Framework.

The latest performance updates can be found on the Council Plan page and our public reporting page.

The most recent quarterly risk update report to Audit and Governance Committee was presented in June 2026.