The Audit Commission uses a framework for inspection comprising two judgements - how good is the service, and what are the prospects for improvement - informed by six questions. Inspections result in published reports and are scored.
Inspections are focused using key lines of enquiry (KLOE) and we have identified the characteristics that would support a score of 2 and 3 for consistency and transparency.
For some types of inspection we use more detailed descriptors:
In exceptional circumstances the Commission also undertakes corporate governance inspections. Our refreshed methodology introduced the concept of Partnership Governance Inspections.
Our inspection framework, guidance and review procedures are set out in the following documents: