The strategic management initiative is built around six key organisational themes. These include a greater openness and accountability, a mission of quality customer service, and the efficient and fair operation of simplified regulations. In accordance with the Public Service Management Act, the Department's strategy statement 2003 to 2005 sets out objectives, programmes and performance indicators. The goals outlined in the strategy statement are incorporated into the business plans of each unit with the Department's annual reports detailing progress.
The modernisation agenda within the Department is well advanced and there is a major programme of structural reform in place. This has led to the establishment of the State Examinations Commission, the National Council for Special Education and the roll-out of regional offices. In dealing with regulatory reform the trend has been to place the operations of the Department on a legislative footing, replacing the administrative rules that were set out, usually by circular, prior to this. A number of independent appeals procedures are now in place and where these exist, there is clarity on entitlement to resources and the allocation of those resources.
The social partnership agreements support the implementation of SMI. The Department reports on progress to the Civil Service performance verification group and all progress reports are published on the website of the Department of Finance.