Bovens’ accountability framework has been used to analyse the effectiveness of the following three accountability arrangements (see Summary of Analysis for the outcome of the evaluation):
1. Statement of Intent
The purpose of the statement of intent is to:
- state the council-controlled organisation’s (CCO) activities and intentions for the year and the objectives to which they will contribute
- provide an opportunity for its shareholding council to influence the direction of the CCO, and
- provide a basis for accountability.
Each CCO must deliver a draft statement of intent to council by 1 March each year and, after considering council’s feedback, must complete the final statement and make it public by 30 June.
2. Reporting
The CCO must deliver an annual report to council which is made available to the public. The CCO must also deliver a six-monthly report. These reports must include an explanation of any material variances between the CCO’s performance and the statement of intent, audited financial statements, and an auditor’s report.
3. Public Meetings
All CCOs must nominate two meetings per year in their statement of intent that must be open to members of the public. The CCO must allocate a reasonable amount of time at these meetings for the public to address the board.