Executive Performance Reviews for Local Government and Other Organisations
Executive performance planning and reviews are among the most significant responsibilities a council holds. They influence organisational direction, shape the working relationship between councillors and senior leaders, and set clear expectations for how leadership is exercised across the organisation.
We support councils to manage this responsibility with structure, care and independence. We work alongside Mayors to develop and facilitate effective performance management processes for the Chief Executive Officer or General Manager. We also support the CEO or GM to establish clear and workable performance frameworks for Directors and senior managers.
Our methodology draws on Stephen’s 20 years’ experience as a General Manager and 18 years supporting local government executives as a consultant. The approach reflects established practice and, in New South Wales, aligns with the Office of Local Government’s 2022 Performance Management Guidelines.
Experience from both perspectives
The partners of Local Partnerships have facilitated executive performance reviews for councils across Australia, and each of them, in their past roles as CEOs/GMs have first hand knowledge of performance management from the employee perspective.
This dual experience informs a balanced and practical approach that recognises:
- sound judgement about what makes performance conversations effective
- practical insight into executive accountability and scrutiny
- the importance of clear process, role clarity, and sound documentation
- the need for independence and fairness in public sector settings
- Clarify
- Align
- Review
- Strengthen
Aligned to your organisation’s strategic direction
Performance planning is most effective when it reflects what council has agreed to deliver to its community. Local Partnerships ensures executive performance expectations are clearly linked to the council’s Community Strategic Plan, Organisation Delivery Program and organisational priorities.
The focus remains on:
- leadership and organisational outcomes
- alignment between strategy, performance agreements, and reporting
- clarity about expectations and measures of success
- maintaining appropriate boundaries between governance and management
This alignment supports continuity, confidence, and sound decision-making.
A process that supports leadership over time
Executive performance reviews are not just a point-in-time activity. When approached thoughtfully, they support learning, continuity, and stronger working relationships.
Local Partnerships designs performance review processes that:
- reinforce shared expectations
- support leadership development
- provide clear direction for the year ahead
- strengthen trust between councils and their senior leaders
This is how performance planning becomes part of effective governance.
Why councils engage Local Partnerships
Organisations engage Local Partnerships because they want:
- Confidence that performance expectations align with council priorities
- Independence from internal dynamics and local relationships
- a disciplined, well-structured process that supports good governance
- Partners who understand both the council table and the executive role
