Assessing our performance
To be accountable and demonstrate our progress, we will use short- and long-term measures to assess performance. Our short-term performance will be measured against the standards and targets in the Estimates of Appropriations for Vote Social Development and Vote Senior Citizens.
New ways of working, such as Investing in Services for Outcomes and an investment approach, are changing the way we understand the people we work with and how we deliver services. We will continue to regularly review the outcomes and results we seek to achieve, and how we assess our performance, to ensure they align with our evolving expectations.
Delivering Better Public Services
In 2012 the Government established result areas with specific targets for the public sector to achieve by 2017. The Ministry is leading and contributing to a number of these results.
| Better Public Services theme | Better Public Services result target | Progress towards result |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Social Development lead/co-ordination role | ||
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Reducing long-term welfare dependence |
Reduce the number of people continuously receiving Jobseeker Support for more than 12 months by 30%, from 78,000 in April 2012 to 55,000 by June 2017 (Result 1) |
As at the end of March 2014, 68,932 people were continuously receiving Jobseeker Support for more than 12 months, down from 75,366 in March 2013. This was made up of:
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Supporting vulnerable children |
Increase participation in early childhood education so that, in 2016, 98% of children starting school will have participated in quality early childhood education (ECE) (Result 2) |
The percentage of children who have attended ECE before starting school has increased to 95.9% for the 12 months to March 2014. This is an increase of 0.4 percentage points compared with the year to March 2013. |
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Increase infant immunisation rates so that 95% of eight-month-olds are fully immunised by December 2014 and this is maintained through to 30 June 2017, and reduce the incidence of rheumatic fever by two-thirds to 1.4 cases per 100,000 people by June 2017 (Result 3) |
As at March 2014, 91.4% of eight-month-olds are fully immunised. The provisional incidence rate for acute rheumatic fever initial hospitalisations for the year ending December 2013 is 4.3 per 100,000 (194 hospitalisations). This is an increase from the year ending December 2012, when the rate was 3.7 per 100,000 initial hospitalisations (168 hospitalisations). |
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Halt the 10-year rise in children experiencing physical abuse and reduce current numbers by 5% by 2017 (Result 4) |
In the year to March 2014, physical abuse was substantiated for 3,111 children, compared with the 3,176 in the 12 months to March 2013. |
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Better Public Services theme | Better Public Services result target | Progress towards result |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Social Development contribution | ||
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Boosting skills and employment |
85% of 18-year-olds will have achieved NCEA Level 2 or an equivalent qualification in 2017 (Result 5) |
77.2% of 18-year-olds achieved NCEA Level 2 in 2012, up from 74.3% in 2011. (Source: Ministry of Education) |
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Reducing crime |
By June 2017, reduce the crime rate by 15%, reduce the violent crime rate by 20%, and reduce the youth crime rate by 25% (Result 7) |
For the year to December 2013:
(Source: Ministry of Justice) |
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By June 2017, reduce the reoffending rate by 25% (Result 8) |
For the year to December 2013, the reoffending rate reduced by 11.7% towards the target of 25% by 2017. This means 2,159 fewer offenders returning against a target of 4,600 fewer by 2017. (Source: Ministry of Justice) |
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Improving interaction with Government |
An average of 70% of New Zealanders’ most common transactions with government will be completed in a digital environment by 2017 (Result 10) |
For the January to March 2014 quarter, there is a 42% average digital uptake of the selected bundle of services. This is:
The January to March 2014 figures are for the third quarter of the second year of measuring progress towards Result 10 Target Measurement. (Source: Department of Internal Affairs) |
Achieving Ministry outcomes
Over the next four years we will monitor our progress towards achieving Ministry outcomes through the following indicators.
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Ministry outcome: More people into sustainable employment and out of welfare dependency |
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Intermediate | Indicators | Intended trend and baseline outcomes |
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Fewer people are dependent on welfare |
The number of people continuously receiving Jobseeker Support for more than 12 months |
Intended trend: Reducing the number of people continuously receiving Jobseeker Support for more than 12 months to 64,650 by 30 June 2015. 2012/13 (Baseline): 74,599 |
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Reduction in the future liability of the benefit system, due to management actions (as assessed by an independent valuation) |
The 2013 actuarial valuation shows that benefit payments were $180 million less than expected in the year to June 2013, with a $10.3 billion reduction in the liability ($4.4 billion of which can be attributed to welfare reforms and management influence), reflecting fewer than expected beneficiaries and less time expected on benefit in the future. (Source: Taylor Fry Actuarial valuation of the Benefit System for Working-age Adults as at 30 June 2013) |
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More young people are in education, training or work- based learning |
The proportion of people (aged 16-18) who do not require a main benefit within three months of leaving the service |
Intended trend: Increasing This is a new indicator for 2014/15. |
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Eligible students are supported to overcome financial barriers to access higher education |
The proportion of applications for 2014 student loans and student allowances received and finalised by the applicant’s study start date |
Intended trend: Increasing 2013/14 (Baseline): 85% of student applications received by the target date were finalised prior to the main 2014 study start date of 2 March. |
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Ministry outcome: More people are able to participate in and contribute positively to their communities and society |
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Intermediate outcomes | Indicators | Intended trend and baseline |
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Children and young people are involved in decision- making on issues that affect them |
More young people involved in decision- making activities |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13 (Baseline): 4,910[7] young people were involved in activities such as youth consultations and youth councils. |
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Young people are engaged in and contribute positively to their communities |
More young people involved in community- based projects and activities |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13 (Baseline): 39,127[8] young people were involved in community-based projects and activities including the Youth Fund and Youth Development Partnership Fund. |
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Disabled people are able to participate in society |
The proportion of Think Differently partners[9] who report that attitudes and behaviours are shifting in their communities |
Intended trend: Increasing This is a new indicator for 2014/15. |
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Seniors and veterans are able to maintain their independence and participate in society |
The number of SuperGold Card participating businesses |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13 (Baseline): 5,636 businesses were participating in the SuperGold Card scheme. |
[7] This indicator is measured through participants’ feedback following the completion of a programme or service.
[8]. This indicator is measured through participants’ feedback following the completion of a programme or service.
[9] The Think Differently campaign aims to improve outcomes for disabled people by changing attitudes and behaviours that limit their opportunities to participate. Think Differently partners include local authorities, NGOs and charitable organisations that promote and encourage positive attitudes and behaviours towards disabled people in their communities.
| Ministry outcomes: | ||
|---|---|---|
| More people are able to participate in and contribute positively to their communities and society | Fewer children are vulnerable | |
| Intermediate outcomes | Indicators | Intended trend and baseline |
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Seniors, families and low-income New Zealanders have access to goods and services through discounts and concessions |
The accurate assessment of Community Services Card applications |
Intended trend: Maintaining 2012/13 (Baseline): 98.6% of Community Services Card applications completed accurately. |
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More people interact with the Ministry digitally |
The proportion of people applying for a benefit online |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13 (Baseline): 31.7% of benefit applications were lodged online. |
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The proportion of people aged 65 and over taking up online services |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13: 32% of the Ministry’s senior clients had taken up online services. 2011/12 (Baseline): 28.9% |
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The proportion of students applying for student support online |
Intended trend: Maintaining 2012/13 (Baseline): 96.6% of students applied for their student loan or allowance online. The Ministry intends to maintain this high proportion. |
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The number of students who access their MyStudyLink e-accounts using a mobile device |
Intended trend: Increasing MyStudyLink mobile view was launched on 16 March 2014, providing students with greater access to their MyStudyLink online accounts. The service enables students to check the status of their applications, whether payment has been made or documents received. Students can move easily from mobile to the full MyStudyLink site to update information. Automated reporting on students’ use of the new service will commence from 1 July 2014. |
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The percentage of eligible students who review and approve their student loan contract through their MyStudyLink e-accounts Intended trend: Increasing |
This is a new indicator for 2013/14. Results measured annually. |
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Ministry outcome: Fewer children and people are vulnerable |
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Intermediate outcomes | Indicators | Intended trend and baseline |
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Vulnerable children are protected from abuse and neglect |
The proportion of children and young people who have been abused/neglected within six months of a previous finding of abuse/neglect |
Intended trend: Decreasing 2012/13 (Baseline): 13.4% of children and young people with a finding of abuse or neglect in 2012/13, had had a finding of abuse/neglect in the previous six months.[10] |
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Children and young people are in safe and permanent care |
The proportion of children aged under five years old (who are unable to return home), who are placed with their Home for Life[11] caregiver within 12 months of coming into care |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13: 69.1% of children under five years old who came into our care in 2012/13 were placed with their Home for Life caregiver within 12 months. 2011/12 (Baseline): 68.1% |
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Children and young people we work with have access to adequate health services, housing and education |
The proportion of children in care who have improved access to a comprehensive assessment, to enable referral to appropriate services in order to achieve improved health and education outcomes |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13 (Baseline): 27.2% of children for whom we had consent to be referred for a Gateway Assessment had a subsequent referral to a service. |
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The proportion of families who receive in-home parenting support, that have up-to-date Well Child/ Tamariki Ora check-ups |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13 (Baseline): 79% of families receiving Family Start services had up-to-date Well Child/Tamariki Ora check-ups. |
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The proportion of families who receive in-home parenting support, that have children enrolled in early childhood education |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13 (Baseline): 59% of children aged 18 months receiving Family Start services were enrolled in licensed early childhood education. |
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Children and young people experience good parenting |
The proportion of all parents/primary caregivers who have received support, that have improved their parenting practices |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13 (Baseline) 80% of parents involved in the SKIP[12] initiative reported that the support improved their parenting practices. |
[10] Repeat findings may relate to historical events before the child or young person came to our attention. Emotional abuse accounts for the majority of repeat findings.
[11] A Home for Life placement occurs when a child is placed by Child, Youth and Family with a caregiver who is approved to offer a permanent home. Achieving a Home for Life occurs when the Chief Executive’s custody is discharged in favour of a permanent caregiver.
[12] The Strategies with Kids, Information for Parents (SKIP) initiative supports parents to improve parenting practices through resources, as well as funding, training, mentoring and capability building of community providers.
| Ministry outcomes: | ||
|---|---|---|
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Fewer children and people are vulnerable |
More communities are strong and thriving |
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| Intermediate outcomes | Indicators | Intended trend and baseline |
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Families receive the right information, knowledge and support |
The proportion of people who are satisfied with the information and advice provided through family and community services programmes[13] |
Intended trend: Increasing This is a new indicator for 2014/15. |
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Communities have the resources and capability to better support themselves |
The number of communities funded by need and population |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13 (Baseline): 12 communities developed community-based solutions through Community Response Forums. |
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Families and communities have increased levels of awareness of how to respond to family violence |
The high proportion of surveyed community groups that say the It’s not OK has increased their ability to address or prevent family violence[14] campaign |
Intended trend: Maintaining This is a new indicator for 2014/15. |
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More effective and efficient allocation of government resources to meet community need |
The proportion of providers on outcomes-based contracts |
Intended trend: Increasing This is a new indicator for 2013/14. Results measured annually. |
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The proportion of providers who deliver on all contracted results |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13 (Baseline): 49.2% of contracted providers sampled had met all the results outlined in their respective contracts. |
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Ministry outcome: Fewer children and young people commit crime |
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|---|---|---|
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Intermediate outcomes | Indicators | Intended trend and baseline |
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More young offenders are in education, training or employment |
The proportion of young offenders who are in education, training or employment following our intervention |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13: 56.3% of young offenders who received an intervention in 2011/12 were in education, training or employment following the intervention. 2011/12 (Baseline): 52.3% |
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Fewer child offenders go on to become youth offenders |
The proportion of child offenders who have a youth justice referral |
Intended trend: Decreasing This is a new indicator for 2013/14. Results measured annually. |
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Fewer young people have a repeat youth justice referral |
The proportion of young offenders who reoffended[15] within one year of a previous offence |
Intended trend: Decreasing This is a new indicator for 2013/14. Results measured annually. |
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The proportion of young offenders whose reoffending[16] within one year has reduced in severity |
Intended trend: Increasing This is a new indicator for 2013/14. Results measured annually. |
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Families and victims are involved in addressing offending behaviour |
The proportion of victims engaging and participating in family group conferences |
Intended trend: Increasing 2012/13 (Baseline): 58.5% of victims contacted before a family group conference provided a submission or had a representative at the family group conference. |
[13] This indicator will be measured through client satisfaction surveys of the Heartland Services programme, Budgeting Services programme and Strengthening Families programme.
[14] The It’s not OK campaign mobilises communities to take a stand against family violence, and change attitudes and behaviour that tolerate it. The campaign leverages off social change, research and evaluation, communications, media advocacy, social media and resource development. A key component of the campaign is supporting community-led initiatives and working in partnership with sports organisations, local and non-government agencies, faith and ethnic communities, businesses, and the family violence sector.
[15] This relates to offending that resulted in a youth justice family group conference.
[16] This relates to offending that meets the threshold of a youth justice family group conference and includes those who did not reoffend or whose reoffending was resolved by Police action.
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Ministry outcome: Fewer people commit fraud and the system operates with fairness and integrity |
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|---|---|---|
| Intermediate outcomes | Indicators | Intended trend and baseline |
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Fraud is detected sooner |
The number of people who offend[17] |
Intended trend: Reducing This is a new indicator for 2013/14. Results measured annually. |
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The age of offending[18] |
Intended trend: Reducing This is a new indicator for 2013/14. Results measured annually. |
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More fraud overpayments are recovered and fewer overpayments are made |
The amount of money recovered from fraud overpayments |
Intended trend: Increasing This is a new indicator for 2013/14. Results measured annually. |
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The average value of fraud overpayments |
Intended trend: Decreasing 2012/13 (Baseline): the average value of fraud overpayments was $34,500. |
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People’s claims and complaints are dealt with appropriately |
The proportion of complaints about the Ministry that are upheld by the Ombudsman |
Intended trend: Decreasing 2012/13 (Baseline): the Ombudsman reported 166 complaints under the Ombudsmen Act and 97 complaints under the Official Information Act about the Ministry of Social Development. Of the investigations finalised:
(Source: Ombudsman Annual Report 2012/13) |
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People’s personal data and information are managed and used appropriately |
The proportion of complaints about the Ministry that are upheld by the Privacy Commissioner |
Intended trend: Decreasing 2012/13 (Baseline): the Office of the Privacy Commissioner reported that it received 61 complaints about the Ministry of Social Development. Fifty-three complaints were closed, of which nine were found to have some substance. (Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner Annual Report 2012/13) |
[17] Offending is defined as people we have successfully prosecuted in 2013/2014.
[18] This indicator is intended to measure the length of offending for cases where benefit fraud has been committed. We anticipate that, by detecting fraud sooner, the duration of benefit fraud offending will decrease.
[19] Upheld refers to a complaint investigation that was finalised and where administrative deficiency was identified.
