Social Security Scotland: framework document

Corporate and Business Planning

59. The Chief Executive will prepare and submit for approval to the Scottish Ministers a Corporate Plan and Annual Business Plan.

60. Approval of the Corporate Plan by the Scottish Ministers constitutes the high level authority for the Chief Executive to conduct the operations of the Agency during the Plan's period (normally 3 years), while taking account of Scottish Ministers' oversight of the Agency's work. It forms the basis against which the Agency's performance will be judged during that period.

61. The Corporate Plan will set out the Agency's strategic aims, objectives and targets, high level performance indicators. It will give an overview of how it will deliver these over the Plan's period in line with the Scottish Government's Purpose, Values, and National Outcomes set out in the National Performance Framework. It will also contain the Agency's policy statements on resource management (including Efficient Government) and other corporate issues such as equalities and information management.

62. Approval of the Annual Business Plan by the Scottish Ministers constitutes the authority for the Chief Executive to conduct the operations of the Agency during that year. It forms the basis against which the Agency's performance will be judged for the Plan period, but does not constrain Ministerial oversight of the work of the Agency.

63. The Annual Business Plan will set out:

• The year's business targets, milestones and performance indicators required for the Agency to deliver the objectives set out in the Corporate Plan;
• Any additional activity agreed by the Scottish Ministers which the Agency must deliver during the Business Plan period, subsequent to publication of the Corporate Plan; or other changes which influence the Agency's ability to deliver;
• Proposed operating cost requirement for the Agency;
• Proposed current expenditure requirements;
• Proposed capital investment programmes; and
• Any additional information which Scottish Ministers require.

64. If policy or circumstances change significantly in the course of the year, the Scottish Ministers or the Chief Executive may propose revisions to the Annual Business Plan, including changes to key targets and financial resources. Any revisions will be decided by the Scottish Ministers after consultation with the Chief Executive.

65. The Agency's Corporate and Business Plans may be combined, will be published on the Agency's website, and will be made available on request.