Performance Measurement
In the Statement of Intent 2005-2006, Customs set out an outcomes performance measurement framework based on intervention logic and indicated that further effort would be put into developing the overall measurement system.
Priority has been given to improving the alignment and integration of head office and operational functions. As a result, Customs is now better placed to advance its performance measurement development programme and increase its evidencebase to support understanding of the effectiveness of its interventions. An overall measurement model has been developed, and some progress has been made in defining measures and refining measurement systems. Considerable development work is still required before full measurement of cost-effectiveness can be undertaken.
In this Statement of Intent performance indicators or measures have been identified for:
The relationship between these measures is shown in the diagram on page Customs Strategic Goals 2006-2010 under Customs Revenue.
Measurement Development
Programme
The ongoing development of the performance measurement system will be a priority in 2006/07 and beyond. A development programme has been defined to provide a sustainable approach to improving Customs’ performance measurement system. This will encompass the use of direct measurement and evaluative activity to help build a comprehensive picture of performance, impact, and cost-effectiveness.
Evaluative Activity
Customs has undertaken a range of evaluative activity that is informing decision-making at both strategic and operational levels.
The post-implementation review of Customs’ trade security capability funding found that trade security standards had been successfully integrated into existing trade assurance regimes and in voluntary arrangements with exporters to reduce the overall cost and disruption to the trading sector. This finding confirmed that the trade security strategy is a suitable model for wider application. Customs is now focusing on the trade security standards being developed in the WCO and is exploring the benefits of bilateral trade security agreements with New Zealand’s other major trading partners.
Customs has also evaluated the effectiveness of the alignment of its enhanced inspection resources and capability. A key outcome of the evaluation has been an increased emphasis on forward planning of inspections to enable better resource utilisation. The review also highlighted that there is a need for ongoing evaluation of the non-invasive inspection capability including its appropriateness, its operation, and the various locations in which it might be deployed. An evaluation is currently underway and its findings will be reported in Customs’ Annual Report 2005/06.
An evaluation schedule has been developed to assess the effectiveness of Customs’ realigned organisational structure. Evaluative activity will be undertaken over the next 18 months.
Customs’ participation in multi-agency exercises provides the opportunity for evaluative activity that enhances Customs’ ability to respond to a range of risks. Recent exercises have included simulated responses to mass illegal migration, pandemic outbreaks, and the proliferation of strategic goods. Learnings from these activities are incorporated in operational procedures.
Increased tasking of Customs requires consideration of possible responses and their resourcing implications. Evaluative activity will be used to help frame Customs’ response to new demands, including resourcing implications, as they arise.
Indicators of Impact
Draft indicators of impact have been identified for each of the outcomes Government is seeking from Customs. These are set out in the table below. Further work is necessary to confirm the validity of these indicators and define the associated measures and measurement systems and this work will be undertaken in the context of the performance measurement development process.
| OUTCOME |
DRAFT INDICATORS OF CUSTOMS’ IMPACT |
PRINCIPAL CONTRIBUTING OUTPUTS |
Border Security
New Zealand is protected from threats to national security by Customs’ situational awareness and readiness to respond |
- Level of situational awareness
- Level of response readiness
- Effectiveness of response
|
- Policy advice
- Intelligence and risk assessment services
- Surveillance, search and containment
- Investigation of offences
|
Community Protection
New Zealand’s community, economy and environment are protected from harm by effective and efficient border management |
- The state of relevant domestic markets
- Interceptions and seizure trends
- Level of compliance by risk type
|
- Most of Customs’ outputs make an important contribution to this outcome
|
Customs Revenue
New Zealand’s economic, social and environmental goals are supported by the effective and efficient collection of Customs revenue |
- Collection against forecast
- Cost-effectiveness of collection
- Assessed level of leakage
|
- Policy advice
- Clearance of import, export, and excise transactions
- Revenue collection, accounting, and debt management
|
Trade and Tourism Support
Sustainable economic growth is supported through effective and efficient border management |
- Level of export trade assured
- Level of import compliance
- Performance against international standards for facilitation of goods and people
- Level of integration with the international supply chain
|
- Policy advice
- Clearance of international passengers, crew, and craft
- Clearance of import, export, and excise transactions
- Revenue collection, accounting, and debt management
- Technical advisory services
|
Border Management Assurance
New Zealand’s sovereign interests are protected through Customs’ management of New Zealand’s border |
See performance measurement framework on inside back cover. This is to be reviewed and further developed. |
This outcome links to all of Customs’ outputs, with a particular focus on:
- Policy advice
- Intelligence and risk assessment services
- Clearance of international passengers, crew, and craft
- Clearance of import, export, and excise transactions
- Surveillance, search and containment
|