This Protocol has been prepared to cover the exchange and use of data and information on operations and processes for comparative purposes by all authorities participating in benchmarking activities under the aegis of the Education Benchmarking in the South West Group.

Status

This Protocol is a statement of intent by each participating authority - it is not legally binding but authorities are expected to comply with it while being involved with the group, or if the association has ended, in relation to information obtained while a member. All members are entitled to expect that other participating authorities will follow this protocol.

Context

The Education Benchmarking in the South West Group is a forum which will facilitate the sharing of comparable information about authorities performance, operations and process and principal activities to help improve organisational efficiency and effectiveness and ensure that services are provided in the most appropriate manner. As such, it has a significant contribution to the development of Best Value in all authorities.

Principles

The following principles form the key elements of this Protocol.

Mutual Support
Authorities undertake to provide similar quality, type and level of information to that supplied by other group members or requested by themselves. Prompt and positive responses will be made to requests for information, explanation and/or clarification wherever possible. Information may be shared with the whole group, sub-groups focussing on similar issues or specific member authorities.

Comparable use
Authorities will only use the information for comparative purposes in relation to like forms of activity.

Confidentiality
In line with the principles of Best Value, data will normally be identified with the participating authorities. Explicit identification of a participating authority will however not occur where that authority has specifically requested anonymity without that authority's approval, eg in cases of sensitive commercial data and/or information. Each participating authority will provide a named contact officer through whom any discussion over the use of its data and/or information by another group member can be discussed. Data and/or information will not be released to other authorities or any other party without prior approval of the authorities to whom the data and/or information relates.

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